Where: Kensington
Gore, SW7
What: The
royal albert hall was the brain child of Queen Victoria's husband,
Prince Albert. It is the largest concert hall in London, seating
approximately 8,000, and
was
opened
in
May 1871.
The albert
hall is a huge, elliptical building, with an exterior
diameter is
272
feet. It was built in the style of the Italian
Renaissance, the materials of its façade being entirely
red brick and terra-cotta. Inside, the hall
is 135 ft. in
height and is crowned by a domed skylight of pointed glass
with a central opening, or lantern, with a star of gas-burners.
The interior,
which is built in the style of an amphitheatre which makes it
ideal for large scale musical performances. The
hall is a popular venue for classical concerts (including the
proms) and hosts the regular winter visits of Cirque du Soleil.
The hall is
also open for daytime visits and tours, where, amongst other
things, you can get to see inside the royal box. The tickets
are not cheap though, at £6.00 for an adult and £3.50 for children
(2004).
Nearest
underground station: South
Kensington
Website: royalalberthall.com
London
Hotels (these links are to another website)