Located a stroll away across Hyde Park, and just opposite the Albert Memorial, 20 minutes walk or a few minutes via Taxi or local bus services from The Abbey Court :

The Royal Albert Hall has 13 bars and 3 restaurants open to the public during performances. This is in addition to the catering provided in boxes, and private function rooms that are available for hire. All restaurants, the Champagne Bar and Victoria Room Brasserie open 2 hours before the performance. All other public bars open 45 minutes prior to the performance and during intervals.

BRIEF HISTORY:  

The Hall was designed by Captain Francis Fowke and Colonel H.Y. Darracott Scott of the Royal Engineers. They were heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres, but had also been exposed to the ideas of Gottfried Semper while he was working at the South Kensington Museum.

The first ever performance at the Royal Albert Hall, 29 March 1871. Since opening in 1871 the Royal Albert Hall has occupied a central position in the cultural life of the nation. Largely built with funds subscribed by private individuals and operating under a Royal Charter, the Hall has fulfilled this role for over a century without public funding. The first comprehensive programme of development since the Hall's construction will be completed by the end of 2003 and will cost close to £70 million. The Arts Council and Heritage Lottery Funds are providing £40.4 million in grants. Operating surpluses, contributions by the Hall's Seatholders and donations from generous benefactors has raised £27 million. A further £2.6 million is needed to complete the Development Programme.

The hall, a Grade I listed building, is oval in shape, measuring 83 m (272 feet) by 72 m (238 feet) around the outside, and has a capacity of 8,000 people and has accommodated as many as 9,000 (although modern safety restrictions mean that the maximum permitted capacity is now 7,000). The great glass and iron dome roofing the hall is 41 m (135 feet) high. Around the outside of the hall is a great terra cotta frieze, depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences", in reference to the hall's dedication. One-foot high letters above the frieze have the Biblical quotations: "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is - in the heaven and in the earth is Thine. ... The wise and their works are in the hand of God. ... Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace."

The Royal Albert Hall provides a unique venue in the heart of London for every kind of event. The Hall is available for hire by event organisers and commercial promoters and offers a package of facilities and services designed to ensure that each event meets its full potential.

GUIDED TOURS:

The Hall is now open for daily tours, a shop and restaurant. Come and experience the excitement inside one of the most famous performing arts venues in the world! This incredibly versatile event space hosts over 330 events every year and is celebrated for its legendary performances. 

Tours usually run from 10am with the last tour at 3.30pm, Friday to Tuesday inclusive. Tours depart from inside the porch at Door 12 and last for around 45 minutes. All tours are conducted in English. As the Hall is a working venue, each tour is unique and may include opportunities to see rehearsals or the technical preparations for a show. Please note that the tours do not include a visit to the backstage area. Tours are subject to availability.
Adults: £6.00
Child (under 16): £3.50, Under 5s: free
Senior Citizen/Student: £5.00.
Disabled people: £3.00
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £16.00 Groups of 10 or more are entitled to a 15% discount (£5.10 per ticket). Advance booking is recommended for large parties. There is a maximum of 15 people per tour. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability. Tour content and prices are subject to changes without notice.

 The Royal Albert Hall is a large building with five floors. The tour covers moderate distances, including several staircases. Lifts are available and the tour is fully accessible to wheelchair users. If you are likely to require use of the lifts or have additional access requirements, please notify the Box Office when booking your tour.

BOX OFFICE:

The Box Office is open 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week. Tickets can be purchased in advance by telephoning 020 7838 3105, online or in person through the Box Office at Door 12. 

Web site: www.royalalberthall.com

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