Classical music, rock, pop and jazz, sporting events, galas, banquets and balls and the world-famous Proms series all take place within the Royal Albert Hall's iconic oval walls. One of London's most versatile venues, it is a favourite of performers from Jose Carreras to Kylie Minogue. The Hall also plays host to the Seniors' tennis circuit. The likes of Becker and McEnroe can be seen bouncing balls off the famous mushrooms on the ceiling. The brainchild of Prince Albert, inspired by the success of the Great Exhibition, the hall first opened in 1871, ten years after the Prince's death. Heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres and notions of the 'Empire and the arts, the oval structure's terracotta walls are decorated on the outside with a frieze dedicated to ""The Triumph of Arts and Sciences"". Gas lighting, poor acoustics and old pipe organs have been replaced over the years and the awe-inspiring venue now exists as a testimony to both the architectural and aesthetic achievements of the past and the technological developments of the present - it now features the largest pipe organ in the British Isles. A Grade I listed building, the hall has a capacity of over 5000 and is most consistently packed out during the summer when the Promenade concerts take over. First held here in 1941 when their original venue - the Queen's Hall - was bombed, the Proms remain fantastically popular.
(Image: Albert Hall Frieze)
What's on at
Royal Albert Hall
The Proms 2009 17th July 2009 - 12th September 2009 All eyes are on the Royal Albert Hall for this...
Price: Seat prices vary. Standing tickets are available on the door for £5.
Le Cheile, The London Lasses and Pete Quinn
London Irish Centre, NW1 9XB
13th March 2009
Le Cheile is a band formed from musicians who played regularly in... More
The Proms 2009
Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP
17th July 2009 - 12th September 2009
The most popular season of classical music in England goes from strength to... More
Carols by Candlelight
Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP
20th - 23rd December 2009 (DATES TO BE CONFIRMED)
The climax of the Royal Albert Hall's Christmas carols... More
Proms Folk Day
Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Gardens, SW7 2AP
20th July 2008
For the first time ever you can attend The Proms free of charge.... More
These popular apartments offer a luxurious home from home environment that is so unique to the capital. With flexible living spaces and fully fitted ...More
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The Proms 2009 are launched at the Royal Albert Hall with this exciting mix of Stavinsky, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Multiple Piano and more. The revered BBC ...More
The Royal College of Art has a lively programme of exhibitions featuring the work of its postgraduate students. In a further bid to promote artistic ... More
This 180ft Victorian bronze gilt statue in Kensington Gardens is a tribute to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, and was erected following his death through ... More
In true French style, this chic cheese shop piles its wares high and stinking, with no fridges, or glass barriers to stop customers getting in ... More
Classy, minimalist Franco-Asian cooking from Head Chef, Jerome Tauvron.
Marrying the French traditions acquired whilst studying under triple Michelin-starred Pierre Gagnaire with the best elements of ... More
This is one of London's most prestigious art colleges and the world's only wholly postgraduate university of art and design. You will need at least ... More
An excellent members archery club that shoots in the grounds of Kensington Palace in summer and in Pimlico in winter. Archery is a totally satisfying ... More
Private members club with a regular pack of paparazzi parked outside waiting for royals to exit after one too many vodka red bulls. Its popularity ...More
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The Proms 2009 are launched at the Royal Albert Hall with this exciting mix of Stavinsky, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Multiple Piano and more. The revered BBC ... More
Mahler was the first of many composers post-Beethoven who feared the 'Curse of the Ninth' superstition, namely that death would follow the writing of a ... More
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Glyndebourne Festival Opera takes to the Royal Albert Hall for Prom 7 with this semi-staged production of Purcell's ... More
Prom 16 at the Royal Albert Hall hands a Proms debut for Andris Nelsons, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's new music director. The CBSO ... More
The Royal Albert Hall welcomes a select group of 360 consummate dance floor experts, both amateur and professional, for the 57th annual International Ballroom Dancing ... More
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Classical music, rock, pop and jazz, sporting events, galas, banquets and balls and the world-famous 
