Broadcasting House, Art Deco broadcasting facility in Portland Place, London, United Kingdom
Broadcasting House is the headquarters of the BBC in Portland Place, rising through nine floors above street level and three below with a central tower built from Portland stone. The pale limestone facade follows the curve of the street and forms a distinct arc along the building front.
The building opened in 1932 as the first purpose-built broadcasting center in Britain, designed by Val Myer and Raymond McGrath. It served as the BBC home during the Second World War, when reporters broadcast from here to cities under siege and frontlines.
The facade displays sculptures by Eric Gill, including Prospero and Ariel from Shakespeare's play, linking theatre and radio transmission. These figures greet visitors at the main entrance and remind passersby how stories travel through airwaves.
The facility remains a working broadcast center and can only be visited through organized tours that must be booked online in advance. The main entrance sits on Portland Place, with the nearest underground stations at Oxford Circus and Regent's Park within walking distance.
The asymmetrical shape of the structure came about because architects had to adjust the design to avoid casting shadows on neighboring properties. This requirement led to unusual angles inside and a building that looks different from various vantage points.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
