Palaces of Sound

London is one of the most musical cities in the world, having birthed countless great acts and composers, as well as witnessing some of the most iconic performances in history. Part of that rich tapestry of culture has been possible thanks to the wealth of grand historical venues that dot the British capital and are every bit as impressive as the music that gets played inside them.

One of London’s most imposing venues is the Royal Albert Hall. Officially opened as the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences on 29 March 1871, an 800-foot frieze encircling the building depicts different disciplines under the hall’s remit, covering everything from astronomy to woodwork.

The vaulting 20,000 square foot roof was designed to hold around 12,000 people under it, though modern safety restrictions have reduced the capacity to 5,544. The hall was the focal point of Albertopolis, a cultural quarter conceived by the Prince Consort and built