This is the Royal Opera House, often just referred to as Covent Garden as that was the site of the original theatre. It is home to the Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet companies. This is the third theatre built on this site with the previous two both destroyed by fire, a serious hazard prior to the discovery of electricity.
During the 1990s the whole complex was redeveloped with the help of 'Lottery' funding. It took 3 years at a cost of £178m to completely transform the theatre with the building of new technical and rehearsal facilities as well as the rebuilding of the almost derelict Floral Hall.
Although it looks like another window at the other end of the Paul Hamlyn Hall (still known as The Floral Hall) it is a mirror creating a wonderful reflection of the iron and glass frontage. The name Floral Hall goes back to when this was part of the Covent Garden fruit and flower market.
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Cleaning these windows is quite a major job whereas across the road the windows appear not to have been cleaned for quite some time.
The window is part of Bow Street Police station and magistrate court completed in 1881 and closed in 2006. It was here that London's first professional Police force was founded in 1749 known then as the Bow Street Runners. The old cells are going to become a small Police Museum and the old magistrate's court will be a boutique hotel and restaurant.
This extension to the Opera House was part of the 1990s redevelopment. The building is also used for the annual BAFTA ( British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards which will take place this Sunday so I thought an apt time to show you around.
I wandered inside to have a look at the Floral Hall and then went upstairs onto the roof. Not sure if it is open to the public but no-one challenged me so with camera in hand I took these different views (for me) of Covent Garden.
Sharing with James at Weekend Reflections
One often wonders if one can take snaps or wander about certain buildings. I did a wander in a building myself last week with a few photos to share down the track. I guess apart from being told to leave, the worst that you can be asked is 'Can I help you', to which you reply, 'Thank you. No. I am just looking around'. The key is to never look guilty and always be confident.
ReplyDeleteYou are a dare devil to walk upstairs, but you had a wonderful view at Coven Garden! Your story about the Police station sounds familiar to me for Amsterdam. Closing Police Stations or Postoffices, all those beautiful buildings are transformed in shopping malls or hotels. Even our canalhouses become hotels!
ReplyDeleteGreat tour of Covent Garden and thanks for showing bow street police satation, it's nice to see the history of places. Love the chimney with the statues.
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing look at buildings in London.
ReplyDeleteNew construction is cool. But I really want to explore the old police station. How cool, to stay in a hotel with a police station feel.
ReplyDeleteHow neat to see a beautiful place that I know of only by reputation. I will be interested in the BAFTA Awards in another way now, since I will picture where they will be held! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank You so much for showing us the buildings of London. I've heard of that opera house ---but had never seen it. GORGEOUS.... BUT--I too would not want to clean those windows... ha
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Very interesting ! I love Covent Garden and never miss a visit when I am in London !
ReplyDeleteI can't think why I've never thought to go inside the Opera House. I love the birds eye view if Covent Garden, and I didn't know there was an upper level there with tables.
ReplyDeletesuperbe edifice,merci de la decouverte ;o)
ReplyDeleteThe Opera House is a beautiful building as is some of the other building of Covent Garden. The reflections in the glass are very good. I hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletei LOVE to walk with you through London, it brings back such lovely memories ! London is my fav city in the world !
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing building! Love those windows.
ReplyDeleteBringing back loads of childhood and teenager memories!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see these different perspectives! I love that you moved around the building (without asking permission) and captured so many unusual views. Better to "seek forgiveness than ask permission" is my motto when I know my actions will not harm anyone. For some reason, i especially loved the sky bridge shot. Also enjoyed your commentary! I was actually in this building in October of 1987 to see La Bohéme but was so excited (my one and only trip to Europe) I didn't take in my surroundings fully at all. Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love your interesting posts. thank you for taking us around town and educating us as to what we are seeing.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful. I am so in love with the way you just go right in and take pictures! That's so great.
ReplyDeleteso much to see and study. You need a camera to capture it all and remember. :)
ReplyDeleteSplendid ... and your explanations and history made the pictures come alive. What a beautiful place and your reflections are also wonderful. I like your pluck to go upstairs at risk of being stopped. And you see how it payed off ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Love the views from above so I'm glad you dared to walk upstairs to take them. The Floral Hall is impressive.
ReplyDeleteI found you through a comment you left in my blog. I really like the idea behind your blog! Your bucket list is great and you seem to be having a lot of fun ticking things off. I will follow you from now.
ReplyDeleteVery impressed that you got onto the roof of the Floral Hall. Another good roof-top is on One New Change. Which is open to the public & is free.
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