Albert Hall in London – history, photo, description, prices 2021, how to get there, map
Being in the center of the capital of Great Britain, one cannot fail to note this unusual building – round in shape and with a glass dome. In absentia, it is familiar to residents of the whole world, as it is one of the symbols of the old England. This is the Albert Hall in London, one of the best concert halls in the world. Built in the second half of the 19th century, it has undergone several renovations. At first, modern – bright and safe – electric lighting completely replaced the outdated gas. Then the building itself was restored.
Story
The husband of Queen Victoria, Albert paid great attention to the cultural development of London. In the middle of the 19th century, the Great Exhibition, which had world significance, opened in the capital of Great Britain. To place its exhibits in the city center, the Crystal Palace was erected. But Albert's thought went further – he wanted to give London a building where one exposition would replace another, and thousands of people could look at them.
Together with his wife, the prince decided to start building the Hall of Arts and Sciences, around which a real center of culture would grow. The choice fell on Kensington, an area located near Hyde Park. But the prince did not have time to realize his plan. Central Hall of Arts and Sciences – this is how, according to the plan, this building should have been called. After the death of her husband, Queen Victoria decided to continue his work – in memory of him.
In 1867, the laying of the foundation began. The building was designed by architects Francis Fowke and Henry Scott. In 1871 the Albert Hall was opened. Prince Edward delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of the royal family at this festive event. After the solemn part, the first concert in the history of the Albert Hall began. There was an orchestra playing classical music.
Briefly about the prince
Before proceeding to the description of the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Science, it is necessary to tell a few words about the prince himself. It is worth emphasizing that his whole life was dedicated to supporting talented artists, promoting various cultural projects. A number of museums in London appeared precisely thanks to him. The British should be grateful to Prince Albert for opening the Manufactory Museum, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, various colleges where young people were taught music, dance, vocals, and painting.
For two decades of conscience, the prince was supported by his beloved wife, Queen Victoria. Prince Albert died in 1861, and everything that he did not manage to do himself, his inconsolable crowned wife tried to finish during the four decades that she was still on the throne.
architectural features
Prince Albert dreamed that the building would resemble an ancient amphitheatre. Therefore, the architects gave it the shape of an ellipse – as in ancient times. Its diameter is slightly more than 80m, and it is built of red brick. The glass dome crowning the building is also impressive. Its height is 41 m. It was brought to London in parts, from the city where it was made – from Manchester. To lift it and install it in a permanent place, special engineering developments were required, which had not been used until then.
A mural, which depicts a panoramic view of central London, including the Albert Hall, surrounds the building. Also, residents and guests of the capital admire the beautiful mosaic, reflecting world achievements in various fields of culture.
On the frieze you can read lines from the Bible. Guests of the Albert Hall also admire the sculptural groups that adorn the facade. Some depict princes who patronized the arts, others personify crafts, various types of science and art, and even entire countries. Despite the fact that the building was built relatively recently, due to its architectural features, it gives the impression of fidelity to the traditions of the Victorian era. On three tiers of walls there are windows in the form of arches, as for the colors – yellow and red tones organically alternate here. It is not for nothing that London is called the “city of fogs”, but when it is a sunny day, the Albert Hall shines – it seems that the lid of the treasure chest has been thrown back.
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Interior
Prince Albert's dream came true. Thousands of people can become guests of the Albert Hall at the same time. After the opening, the concert hall was supposed to accommodate about 9 thousand spectators, but fire safety regulations forced this number to be reduced to 5.5 thousand people. At the same time, the concert hall of the Albert Hall remains one of the most beautiful in the world. It was sketched by Lucas Brothers and designed by Harry Scott.
Of course, here you can see gilding with its soft sheen, and scarlet velvet, and magnificent lighting. Round lights on the ceiling can change shades, ranging from blue to purple. All this gives concert programs an additional effect. Separately, it is worth answering the organ located on the stage. Representatives of the royal family often visit the Albert Hall; a separate box is specially designed for them.
Notable Events
Events are held almost daily in the concert hall of the Albert Hall. The most famous performers and creative teams that have already become a legend have performed here. These are the Beatles, ABBA, Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd and many others. There are also concerts of organ and classical music, award ceremonies, and even sports championships. For example, Mohammed Ali himself spoke here. It should be noted that Prince Albert was very fond of the holidays, and, largely thanks to him, in London they celebrate Christmas and New Year so solemnly, arrange magnificent Christmas trees. Here and in the Albert Hall, charity balls are held annually.
It was in this concert hall that the Eurovision Song Contest took place in 1968, and the artists of the Cirque du Soleil came here with the premiere of the performance. And reading within the walls of the Albert Hall of a book telling about the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter gathered thousands of fans of this work. In total, during the year there are a little less than 2 million people.
Albert Hall today
Today, the Albert Hall, whose concert hall has perfect acoustics, is the place where the most significant events in the cultural life of the country take place, as well as international ceremonies. In 2014, a solo concert of a singer from the Russian Federation, Valeria, took place here.
Spectators also gather here to watch national festivals, many holidays for children are organized, charity concerts are given, exhibitions open one after another. In a word, the wonderful hall is always full of grateful spectators.
Ticket price
If you dream of going to the Albert Hall, you don't have to attend any of the concerts. You can purchase a special tour that will allow you to explore the hall from the inside and listen to a story about it. Tours run daily starting at 9:30 am. Moreover, you will be shown not only the concert hall, but also all the sights of the building, they will tell their history. The duration of the event is about an hour.
The Grand Tour will give you the opportunity to get to know the Albert Hall in more detail, you can choose excursions in which the guide will focus on the Victorian era, or devote time to interesting stories about the Albert Hall. There is also a tour that ends with a tea party in a restaurant.
Tickets for concerts cost from 35 euros, and more, depending on the performers. Although the hall is spacious, it is worth booking seats in advance, because everyone has long known that only the best programs are shown in the Albert Hall, and tickets are sold out very quickly. You can get acquainted with the program for the next month on the official website of the Albert Hall.
Where is it located and how to get there
The easiest way to get to the Albert Hall is by subway. You can get off at one of the Young Kensington and High Street Kensington stations. You can also use buses No. 9, 10, 52, 452. You will get to the bus stop to Exhibition Road, and from there you can walk to the concert hall. It is worth arriving in advance to take a leisurely walk in Hyde Park, sit in one of the many cafes. Albert Hall is one of the main attractions of London, as well as Westminster Abbey and Parliament, and it is simply impossible to leave the capital of Great Britain without visiting here and taking a photo as a keepsake.