DK Travel : London : Architecture

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QueenElizabeth Hall

Part of the Royal Festival Hall (currently undergoing refurbishment), Queen Elizabeth Hall, along with the Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery, has a programme of musical, arts and literary activities.
Queen’s Chapel

This exquisite royal chapel is open only to its congregation (visitors welcome as worshippers). Built by Inigo Jones in 1627, its furnishings remain virtually intact, including a beautiful altarpiece by Annibale Carracci.
Queen’s House

This delightful home in the midst of Greenwich Park was the first Palladian building by Inigo Jones, and home to the wife of Charles I. Beautifully restored to its 17th-century glory, it now provides a home for the National Maritime Museum’s art collection.
Regent’s Park

The Prince Regent, later George IV, used John Nash for this ambitious urban plan.
Riverside Studios

With a glorious location by the Thames at Hammersmith, this is a fascinating arts and media centre. An eclectic programme includes cinema, theatre, dance and the visual arts. Works of such innovators as Samuel Beckett and Peter Brook have premiered here. Once BBC studios, Riverside is still used to make TV shows. The pleasant café and bar are a draw in themselves.
Royal Albert Hall

This distinctive, circular building was designed to resemble a Roman amphitheatre, and has a delicate Classical frieze around the exterior. The excellent acoustic inside makes this a premier venue for every kind of concert, including the “Proms”.
Royal Court Theatre

The cream of new drama can be seen at this charming small theatre. Recently refurbished, both the main, and tiny upstairs theatre, are important London venues. Play “actor spotting” in the new restaurant and bar.
Royal Mews
Royal Opera House

One of the greatest opera houses in the world, this theatre is home to the Royal Ballet Company, and hosts international opera productions. Apart from the sumptuous main auditorium, there are the smaller Lindberg and Clore theatres which have music and dance. There are regular backstage tours and occasional big-screen live simulcasts of opera in the Piazza.
Sadler’s Wells

After winning a reputation as the best dance theatre in London in the 1950s, Sadler’s Wells now also hosts music and opera. The stunning new building prides itself on its community events as well as its international dance shows.