Albert Hall in London - Royal Hall of Arts and Sciences

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 the inhabitants of the whole world, as it is one of the symbols of the old woman-England. This is the Albert Hall in London, one of the finest 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 At first, modern - bright and safe - electric lighting completely replaced the outdated gas lighting. Then the restoration of the building itself was carried out.

History

The spouse of Queen Victoria, Albert paid great attention to the cultural development of London. In the middle of the 19th century, the Great Exhibition of world significance opened in the capital of Great Britain. To place its exhibits in the center of the city, the Crystal Palace was erected. But Albert's thought went further - he wanted to donate to London a building where one exposition would replace others, and thousands of people could look at them.

Together with his wife, the prince decided to start building the Hall of Arts and Science, around which a real center of culture would grow. The choice fell on Kensington - an area located not far from Hyde Park. But the prince did not have time to realize his plan. Central Hall of Arts and Sciences - so, according to the plan, this building was supposed to be called. After the death of her husband, Queen Victoria decided to continue his work - in memory of him.

In 1867, laying of the foundation began. The building was designed by architects Francis Foke 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. An orchestra performed 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 in a few words about the prince himself. It should be emphasized that his whole life was devoted to supporting talented artists, promoting various cultural projects. A number of museums in London appeared thanks to him. The British should be grateful to Prince Albert for the opening of the Museum of Manufacture, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, various colleges, where young people were taught music, dance, singing, painting.

For two decades, the prince's conscience was supported by his beloved wife, Queen Victoria. Prince Albert died in 1861, and everything that he did not have time 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 antique amphitheater. Therefore, the architects gave it the shape of an ellipse - as in the distant centuries. Its diameter is slightly more than 80m, and it was built of red bricks. The glass dome that crowns 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 raise it and install it in a permanent place, special engineering developments were required, which had not been used until then.

A mural depicting panoramic views 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. The guests of the Albert Hall also admire the sculptural groups that adorn the facade. Some depict princes who patronized art, 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 loyalty 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 alternate organically here. It is not for nothing that London is called "the city of fogs", but when a sunny day is issued, the Albert Hall shines - it seems that the lid of the treasure chest has been thrown back.

Coca-Cola London Eye Ticket - £ 24.30
Tower of London and Royal Treasure Exhibition Ticket - £ 26.80
Tower Bridge Ticket - £ 9.80
Westminster Abbey entrance ticket and audio guide - £ 20
Madame Tussauds ticket - £ 29
St Paul's Cathedral Fast Track Ticket - £ 16
Skyscraper "Shard" - entrance ticket and champagne - £ 24.95

Interior

Prince Albert's dream has come 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 standards 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. The sketches for it were drawn by Lucas Brothers, and the design was done by Harry Scott.

Of course, here you can see gilding with its soft sheen, and scarlet velvet, and magnificent lighting. Circular ceiling lights can change shades, ranging from blue to purple. All this gives the concert programs an additional effect. The organ located on the stage should be answered separately. Representatives of the royal family often visit the Albert Hall, a separate box is specially designed for them.

Outstanding Events

Events are held in the concert hall of the Albert Hall almost every day. The most famous, already legendary performers and creative groups performed here. These are The Beatles, ABBA, Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd and many others. It also hosts organ and classical music concerts, awards ceremonies, and even sports championships. For example, Mohammed Ali himself performed here. It should be noted that Prince Albert was very fond of the holidays, and, in many respects, thanks to him, Christmas and New Years are celebrated so solemnly in London, lush Christmas trees are arranged. So 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 in the walls of the Albert Hall a book about the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter has gathered thousands of fans of this work. In total, a little less than 2 million people visit here during the year.

Albert Hall today

Today, the Albert Hall, whose concert hall has perfect acoustics, is the place where the most significant events in the country's cultural life and international ceremonies are held. In 2014, a solo concert of the singer from the Russian Federation - Valeria took place here.

Spectators also gather here to watch national festivals, many celebrations 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 prices

If you dream of getting 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 inspect the hall from the inside and listen to the story about it. Tours run daily from 9.30 am.Moreover, you will be shown not only the concert hall, but all the sights of the building, and tell their story. The duration of the event is about an hour.

The most detailed acquaintance with the Albert Hall will give the opportunity to "Grand Tour", 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 at the restaurant.

Tickets for concerts start at 35 euros and are more expensive depending on the performers. Although the hall is spacious, it is worth booking seats in advance, because everyone has known for a long time that only the best programs are shown in the Albert Hall, and tickets are quickly sorted out. 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 most convenient way to get to the Albert Hall is by metro. You can get off at one of the Young Kensington and High Street Kensington stations. You can also take buses No. 9, 10, 52, 452. You will get to the stop at Exhibition Road, and from there it is a stone's throw to the concert hall. It is worth arriving in advance to take a leisurely stroll around Hyde Park and sit in one of the many cafes. Lbert 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 being here, without taking a photo as a souvenir.

Albert Hall in London on the map