Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
*The front entrance of Royal Albert Hall is just opposite Albert Memorial. There is an exit
from the park close by. Go to the main entrance and follow directions below. Use the map
at the start of this section for reference.*
As you might have guessed,
Royal Albert Hall
is dedicated to Prince Albert, husband to
Queen Victoria. The pair had quite an intense and sad love story that's realized by this con-
cert hall.
The 19th century was a turning point in how the public viewed the royal family. They ques-
tioned whether there was a point to a monarchy when government was in place and may
have been slightly influenced by the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century. See-
ing the success of the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park in 1851 and noticing the need for the
royals to give something back to the people to remind the public that royalty was worth
keeping, Prince Albert proposed a permanent place dedicated to the arts and sciences that
be open to the public.
Unfortunately, Albert died of typhoid before his vision could come to life. Queen Victoria
was heart broken by the loss of her husband and spent the rest of her life in mourning, tak-
ing every opportunity to dedicate museums and memorials to him, one being Royal Albert
Hall.
Designed by Henry Cole, the circular brick building was inspired by his visits to Roman
ampitheaters. It officially opened on March 29, 1871 and has been in use ever since. A wide
range of musicians have played here, including Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra and Adele. It's
also hosted sporting events, Mohammed Ali boxed at the hall, and welcomed leaders from
around the world, including Nelson Mandela and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Of course
Queen Elizabeth makes an appearance from time to time, she has her own private section
that's been in the family since Royal Albert Hall opened.
