Royal Festival Hall
South Bank Centre, London SE1

The Royal Festival Hall forms part of the South Bank Centre.  This arts complex has a Thameside location, with superb views along and across the river, especially at night.  

The hall, designed by Sir Robert Matthew and Sir Leslie Martin, was the only structure of the 1951 Festival of Britain designed to be permanent, and was the first major public building to be erected in London after World War II. 

However, the buildings along the South Bank, a showcase for contemporary architectural and building skills, are not universally admired.  In 1999 the architect Rick Mather was appointed as master-planner to humanise the concrete dominated area. The Royal Festival Hall will remain but other buildings will be demolished and replaced by a new film complex.  Many of the concrete walkways have already gone.

Inside, the interior of the hall has sweeping staircases leading up from the lobby, creating a sense of occasion but still remaining functional. 

The Royal Festival Hall stages mainly concerts and popular musical events, and the greatest figures of the music world have performed here including the cellist Jacqueline du Pré and the conductor George Solti.

A wide range of free live music can be heard in the foyer every day, 12:30-14:0, and on Fridays 17:15-18:.45.

The foyer has several cafés, bars and restaurants as well as music and book stalls on the lower floors, open all day from 10:00-20:00.

Tel: Box Office: 020 7960 4242 9:00-20:00 daily