London - Royal Albert Hall of Arts & Sciences

This large concert hall, also used for public meetings, balls and other events, was built in 1867-71. Its full name is the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences, and it is a memorial to Queen Victoria's Prince Consort, who had originally proposed its construction. The hall, designed by Captain Francis Fowke and General Scott, is oval in plan, with a circumference of 198m/650ft.

It was hailed by contemporaries as a noble building, worthy of Rome in its golden age - a judgment not wholly confirmed by later generations. Although originally noted for its poor acoustics - a defect which was later put right - this huge amphitheater with its great glass dome has developed over the years into one of London's most popular concert halls both for classical and popular music.

The famous "Proms" take place here every year from July to September. The programs range over the repertoire from the Baroque period to the present day. Tickets are reasonably priced and the audiences are large and heterogeneous. Particularly popular is the "last night of the Proms", a traditional occasion on which the atmosphere is good-humored and relaxed and the conductor has to maintain his hold over the audience as well as over the orchestra.
One of the first concert halls built anywhere, this building was modeled on the Coliseum of Rome.