Kursaal, Historic amusement park and theater in Southend-on-Sea, England
Description
The Kursaal is a listed amusement ground and theatre in Southend-on-Sea, England. George Sherrin and John Clarke designed the prominent entrance building with its tall dome in Baroque style in 1901.
History
The grounds opened in 1894 as Marine Park with gardens and a bandstand for visitors. The Pyramidical Syndicate Limited later bought the site and developed it into a large entertainment complex.
Culture
The name comes from the German word for spa house, a building type common in 19th-century resort towns. Visitors recognize the Baroque facade with its large dome immediately, while the interior today mainly serves as a grocery shop.
Practical
Most buildings currently stand empty and await future use. Access to the grounds is limited, but the listed facade building remains visible from the street.
Did you know?
The band AC/DC photographed the cover of their album Let There Be Rock at this building in 1977. Princess Dinubolu of Senegal competed here in 1908 as the first black contestant in a British beauty pageant.
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