New Tour available of renovated concert hall The Royal Albert Hall has introduced guided tours of the vast building, opened in 1871 in memory of Queen Victoria's husband. Included in the tour is a remarkable view of the auditorium, a visit to the Royal Retiring Room, an exclusive look at the Royal Box, the acoustic arrangements, and a DVD presentation on the range of events during the hall's lifetime.
The tours last 45 minutes, and take place from 10am to 3.30pm, price £6 with reductions for seniors, children and the disabled.
The Royal Albert Hall, in Kensington, is one of the world's great performing arts venues, holding a wide range of events, including the annual summer ‘Proms’ or Promenade Concerts.
The Hall is looking magnificent after the completion of a renovation project that has taken eight years and cost £70 million. The renovation has included acoustic improvements; a new South Portico; restoration of the classical terracotta frieze encircling the building, the installation of a 60,000-piece mosaic by Shelagh Wakely; the remodelling of the circle, new seating; and a new air-cool ventilation system; plus the refurbishment of restaurants and bars.
The project also included the refurbishment of the mighty 150-ton Willis organ, with additional pipes bringing the total to 9,999 - the largest organ in Britain. To mark its restoration, there will be organ concerts on June 26-27, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
