Albert Memorial, Gothic memorial in Kensington Gardens, United Kingdom
The Albert Memorial rises from a wide platform in Kensington Gardens, showing a gilded statue beneath a pointed canopy with turrets. The structure combines dark and light materials, while steps all around lead to different levels with groups of sculpture.
After her husband died in 1861, Queen Victoria asked architect George Gilbert Scott to create a monument that was finished in 1872. The design drew on medieval shrine forms and aimed to create a lasting tribute.
The marble figures around the base show artists and scholars from European history, grouped by their discipline. Visitors can see how Victorians understood cultural greatness, carved into stone for all to witness.
The monument stands north of the Royal Albert Hall and can be visited during Kensington Gardens opening hours. Visitors can walk around all sides and view the sculpture groups up close.
The four bronze groups at the corners symbolize the continents Europe, Asia, Africa and America with animals and figures for each. The outer sculpture groups show agriculture, commerce, engineering and manufacturing.
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