A world-class stage at the heart of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

The Great Hall is 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s flagship events venue, bringing together learning, performance and innovation in the heart of South Kensington. Since opening in 1969 by Queen Elizabeth II, it has welcomed iconic musicians, renowned speakers and generations of students, earning its place in both 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s history and London’s cultural landscape.

The Great Hall is undergoing a major redevelopment. Transforming the space into a flexible, world-class venue for teaching, conferences, performances and live events. With state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, a strong commitment to sustainability and accessibility at its heart, it is designed to deliver exceptional events for the community.

Sustainability

The Great Hall development has been planned with sustainability as a fundamental pillar. The project is seeking to demonstrate high levels of sustainability through a BREEAM refurbishment assessment that ensures the efficient use of materials, containing low levels of carbon and a high proportion of recyclable material. All timber will be sourced sustainably from responsibly managed forests. The new environmental control systems and lighting will reduce energy consumption by adjusting to respond to occupancy levels and control features on sanitary installations will reduce water use.

A computer generated image of the Great Hall after the current redevelopment work is completed

Accessibility

The Great Hall will be a fully accessible venue. Installation of a new lift will provide access to all areas for wheelchair users, the stage will also be wheelchair accessible and there will be a new accessible toilet. The three new teaching areas will have their own hearing loops installed as part of the new AV system, and these systems can be combined when the hall is being used as a single space. The decor in the hall, and the new teaching spaces, will comply to building standards for visual contrast.

Guest experience

The Great Hall is a flexible venue with innovative partitions that can host up to 600 guests or be split into three separate spaces. With retractable seating, the Great Hall adapts to suit a range of event types including conferences, lectures, music performance / rehearsal, live theatre, formal dinners, receptions and more. Guest experience is at the forefront with at-seat USB and power sockets.

d&b Soundscape technology

The Great Hall will showcase the very best of AV technology. d&b Audiotechnik’s Soundscape technology will replace traditional stereo sound in The Great Hall to provide a truly immersive experience. This Soundscape technology positions instruments, vocals or sound effects within a 3D space, ensuring every member of the audience hears the audio coming from its exact visual source on stage, regardless of where they are sitting.