Royal Albert Hall

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.

What are the benefits?

• The opening of the Hall to daytime visitors
• Improved facilities for the audience, including new seating, auditorium ventilation and additional lavatories and bars.
• Restoration of original decorative and architectural features
• Upgraded dressing rooms and backstage facilities
• Better access and amenities for patrons with disabilities

What the Building Development Programme will mean for the Future?

• Once the Development is complete the Hall’s trading surpluses will be used to fulfil the aims of the Hall’s original Charter: to promote the Arts and Sciences for the benefit of all.
• There will be a comprehensive education programme.
• It will be possible to stage more events to include new programming, and more community and educational work.

Final Stages
Much of the work has been completed, including the re-seating of the stalls and circle, the introduction of air cooling within the auditorium, the construction of two new dramatic public foyers underneath the Stalls seating and the full restoration and redecoration of all the public areas including the auditorium. There are two major outstanding projects, the Hall’s magnificent Organ and the construction of a new South Porch.

The Organ
The restoration of the Organ, one of the most important instruments of its kind in the world, will be the first comprehensive refurbishment since it was built and will enable the full range of its tonal subtlety and its power to be appreciated once again.

The South Porch
A new South Porch is being constructed to match the fabric of the existing building and mirrors the design of the porches at the other cardinal points of the Hall. It will provide an impressive new daytime entrance to the Hall leading to a new restaurant.