Queens' Building

Queens' Building is a concert hall and theatre at Queen Mary University of London that houses the Octagon, a circular performance space with cast-iron galleries extending across three levels beneath a central dome. The building also contains administrative offices, student support services, teaching rooms, and additional spaces for performances throughout the academic year.

The building originated in the late 1800s as part of the People's Palace, which included a winter garden, library, swimming pool, gymnasium, and technical schools. Over time it was transformed into a university facility with performance spaces and now serves as a central venue for events at the institution.

The Octagon displays busts of eight influential British writers such as Shakespeare, Milton, and Chaucer, along with plaques honoring classical authors. These sculptures create a literary atmosphere that visitors notice as they walk through the space.

The building is easily accessible and located on the university campus with signage directing visitors to the performance rooms and event spaces. It helps to check event calendars in advance to learn when concerts or theatre performances are happening and which areas are open to visitors.

The Octagon performance space was inspired by the architecture of the British Library Reading Room, reflected in its circular form and curved galleries. This architectural reference makes the performance space an interesting study of how classical designs influenced university building design.