Royal Institute of British Architects image

Royal Institute of British Architects

Cafe Tourist attraction Museum Event venue Book store Non profit organization Architects association

Wood and marble line this light-flooded brasserie for European cuisine in a grand 1930s institute. People often mention building, rides, time, park, kids, Great, great, visit, worth, venue,


Address

66 Portland Pl, London W1B 1AD, United Kingdom

Website

www.architecture.com

Contact

+44 20 7307 5355

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (567 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: building (17) rides (16) time (15) park (15) kids (14) Great (14) great (13) visit (12) worth (11) venue (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Ravishing W. 3 years ago on Google
    We visited Legoland Windsor during the Covid ruled summer of 2020, but on the second week of September when all the kids were back at school. I don't want to be too harsh since these are trying times for us all, but it was a pretty disappointing trip that just wasn't worth the money. A few of the already limited amount of rides were closed and the queue times for the rides available were all upwards of half an hour. A lot of us visiting have energetic, irritable toddlers and so I saw a lot of families just leave the queue after waiting for half an hour already. Of our whole 4 hour visit, we only got to go on the Carousel / Merry Go Round. Most of it was just wasted on queuing and just sightseeing and trying to get as many photographs as possible to commemorate the day. We spent the most time in miniland. I last visited here nearly 2 decades ago when I was a child and I remember I enjoyed myself, so I wanted to bring my child here. This was just bittersweet nostalgia though. There are hardly any rides and the attractions are really small. Shockingly I didn't find this place all that "Lego" themed either. This unfortunately just felt like a trip to a run of the mill summer Fun Fair. The staff were all great - friendly and polite, and the bathrooms were clean. If anything it was like a long walk through a park with a few things to see along the way - but for me, it just doesn't justify the ticket price or the long journey there. Especially when you consider how much more you potentially spend on refreshments, souvenirs and other small paid for games while you are there.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cat T. 3 years ago on Google
    Very child friendly place. Social distancing measures and mask rules. Very fun.. Came during Halloween theme.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Newrybhoy 7. 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning building, superb interior and roof terrace. Went for a wedding as they hire it out as an events venue now. Gorgeous
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Splento Photographers On D. 6 years ago on Google
    We've photographed some great events at this venue - love the space, love the atmosphere, love the interior design. Highly recommend it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lady A. 3 years ago on Google
    wonderful conference venue. thank you Alice!! :-)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Baron Andrew Von Kiely Esquire the 3. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic place to visit. Fun for both children and adults however be prepared to do a lot of walking although there is a lift up the hill which ends up get busy towards closing time as everyone is too tired to climb the steep hill back to the entrance/exit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danny R. 3 years ago on Google
    The most amazing place I loved the whole lego world 🌎 😁 but the good needs to be a bit better 😥 the staff were super friendly 👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tarun R. 3 years ago on Google
    A fun place to go for photos rides or just buying legos. I would recomend buying q bot since you can book the ride and if it is a 20min queue you can just wait for 20mins so you can do a different ride and go into the ride on arrival after 20mins. You can also upgrade your q bot by paying more for halfed queue time etc...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sudhakar s. 3 years ago on Google
    This is unique place to visit specially for Lego followers , you will be amazed to see all building /animals /birds are made of Legos blocks. There are many enjoyable rides you can find there . Better to go on off peak days or avoid to visit during weekends . If you reach on time you can cover all rides and park in a day.I am giving this place 5 star for its unique ambiance, experience and beautiful landscape. Must visit place with Family
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mauro 3 years ago on Google
    Heaven for Lego lovers. We spent a day there. Lots of rides, shops and restaurants. The Miniland is a real treat, we got to see it on our way out and were amazed by it. It's worth downloading the app as it gives you a map with real time queuing times for the rides. Lots of alcohol gel stations, which is great in these times, as well as sign for masks where required. It was good to see the majority of people adhering to it. One downside I found was the queuing times, they were rather long. Need to plan it so you don't miss the rides you want to go on. And it's hard keeping your kids entertained and restrained for so long in a queue. One way to overcome this is by purchasing the Reserve and Ride which basically lets you join the queue virtually and go straight to the ride when the time is up. You can pay extra to reduce the queuing times by 50 or 90% but it can get quite pricey as it is charged per person. Will probably visit again but not so soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt A. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic!! Absolutely marvellous!! Even though u have to wear a mask or covering ... OMG!! U have to visit!! It's truly amazing!!! 😉👍😉👍😉👍😉👍All the attractions appeal to young n old..... It's good to be back in nice theme parks!! 10/10.. 😉👍 Ps it was shown on ch5 a few weeks ago.😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mohammad a. 4 years ago on Google
    Good
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great venue. Lots of history and insights. Ideal also for a function.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paul B. 4 years ago on Google
    Strange place, was there for a business function and felt the building had any architectural presence. The staff were friendly and the lunch that was provided was good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great day out with the family with lots or rides for big and small kids! There so much to do here that its worth getting there early to make sure you can see it all. You will leave knackered if you have kids with you. Only thing to think about as with all of these places is that food and drink prices are crazy, defo worth packing some sandwhiches if you want to save £60. They also charge you £10 for the car park when you leave.

  • 4/5 Diana I. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun but expensive

  • 5/5 Paul W. 3 years ago on Google
    Brilliant fun for the hole family 👍👍👍👍

  • 4/5 Miky 1. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place went for 2 days with kids enjoyed shame it was raining next day. Just the queue is horrible long waiting time.

  • 5/5 Tabia I. 3 years ago on Google
    kid's enjoyed it

  • 5/5 Simon P. 3 years ago on Google
    When we went for a weekend Christmas break it was excellent, the hotel was clean and quieter than usual so there was no trouble with passing people in the corridors or anything like that. Breakfast was well spaced and so was the restaurant with screens up as well :-) the park was quiet which mad social distancing easy, the queues were all marked with two meter spaces which people largely adhered to so there was little crowding there either. The Christmas display in miniland was groovy but we couldn't find the instructions for the free train the elves were giving out - a minor issue, no-one can knock "free" Lego...! Character meets were still possible, just from a safe distance, and apart from the weather closing a number of rides on Sunday (it was too cold apparently) we had a great time and the Covid restrictions had minimal impact on our enjoyment!

  • 5/5 Sean H. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything is LEGO

  • 4/5 Jim H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great day out with the family with lots or rides for big and small kids! There so much to do here that its worth getting there early to make sure you can see it all. You will leave knackered if you have kids with you.

  • 5/5 Amit A. 3 years ago on Google
    Legoland is a nice amusement park situated in window...an hour outside central London..good for young and old..but best for kids upto 15 years of age..More fun for that age group..good places to eat inside the park..a whole day is required to see it at a leisure pace...kids who love Lego will certainly go crazy here looking at the huge beautiful things they have created..

  • 5/5 SJ 3 years ago on Google
    Visited on 18 December with Grandchildren. It was great, no queues, very Covid safe. Best visit to date.

  • 3/5 Raymondo B. 3 years ago on Google
    Went day before it closed down for lockdown with family grandchildren loved it and it is nice place but prices for everything in shops and food a complete rip off and then you get stopped on way out to pay over ten pounds to park after paying far to much to go in park you feel like you've been mugged.Would give it 5 stars if but far to much overpriced

  • 3/5 Dr Paul S. 3 years ago on Google
    Would have scored higher if it wasn’t so overpriced. With two young children we decided to pay for que jumping which really sent the cost of the day sky high.

  • 5/5 Constantin M. 3 years ago on Google
    I am a truck driver I unloaded there and I liked what I saw in addition admirable staff who behaved nicely

  • 5/5 Ren G. 3 years ago on Google
    Very fun day out, family friendly, reasonable queues, and helpful people!

  • 5/5 Kyle H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great fun lego themed bits everywhere even high in trees

  • 5/5 Graeme A. 3 years ago on Google
    Superb place. The hotel is amazing. Cool main entrance with a lego pit to make your own creations. Extremely friendly staff. We stayed in a lego friends themed room. The room was done up to a very high standard. Our girls loved it. The park was brilliant too. Lots of rides for the kids, our girls are 5 and 7, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. We loved the trip and are already looking to go back again.

  • 1/5 AuroraFlight 3 years ago on Google
    Underpriced

  • 5/5 Mrblocro 3 years ago on Google
    Fun

  • 5/5 Joseph S. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing went a few yrs back loved every minute but stuck on the ride that takes you down the hill for 35 mins as it got stuck everything else was perfect

  • 5/5 macedonboy 5 years ago on Google
    Came here to visit the institute and also to see an exhibition of the 2019 Royal Gold Medal winner, Sir Nicolas Grimshaw. Several exhibits showcase examples of his work along with descriptions, models and examples of architectural structures to help explain things further. The building itself is an nice example of Art Deco, but in a style very sympathetic to the surrounding fine buildings along Portland Place.

  • 5/5 Carmella S. 4 months ago on Google
    It's really worth looking out for their exhibitions and lectures as so inter

  • 2/5 Rodrigo S. 8 months ago on Google
    The acoustics of the room is terrible. T30 is well over 1 second. Screen is too high. The AV team tried their best but is for a place with architects is the biggest proof that architects need to work with sound engineers, acousticians and AV in producing designs. By far the worse venue I have been in the last 10 years. Recommendations: Add absorption to walls / ceiling... Maybe get creative and use variable acoustics and metamaterials to help to maintain the look without sacrificing the visible aspect. You already.have a suspended ceiling. Use this to incorporate flush mounted speakers. Add mass to doors separating the kitchen. Raise the stage and include some railings for security. The projection scree is very high. Add extension so screen can be lower including the projector image. There is other things that can be done but at the very least do these. The venue is absolutely terrible.

  • 4/5 Adam L. 4 months ago on Google
    An interesting experience, for somebody without an architecture background I visited for a free talk 'Collective Collaborations' it was both informative and engaging. Hearing from the founder of Resolve collective and the work they do was particularly illuminating. The building itself, from what I saw, is quite grand and impressive, wood panelled walls etc.

  • 5/5 John H. 1 year ago on Google
    It is an interesting modernist (mid 20 century) building with period sculptures on the exterior walls and the original interior including wood panelling and detailing, stonework, and glass.

  • 1/5 Fiona G. 1 year ago on Google
    Muddled talk. Curated exhibition amateurish. Pulling back curtains to reveal rather pallid blueprints. Woke and wet.

  • 5/5 Blake D. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here to visit the institute and also to see an exhibition of the 2019 Royal Gold Medal winner, Sir Nicolas Grimshaw. Several exhibits showcase examples of his work along with descriptions, models and examples of architectural structures to help explain things further. The building itself is an nice example of Art Deco,but in a style very sympathetic to the surrounding fine buildings along Portland Place.

  • 5/5 Safwan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited during a lecture series. Very nice building, easy to find and navigate. Bookshop is downstairs so definitely check it out

  • 5/5 Greg C. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the finest examples of art deco, huge marble columns support a giant atrium bathed in light from immense windows. A must see and free entry too.

  • 5/5 alfares a. 6 years ago on Google
    Very nice street

  • 5/5 Paul B. 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent visitor venue and exhibition space, impressive building and architecture on the iconic Liverpool Waterfront

  • 5/5 Peter D. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing, Limited with No Water Rides due to Covid but still managed to stay all day (1000 - 1800) with lots to see / do, will be returning in the new year

  • 5/5 Aicha R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wow (Original) Waw

  • 5/5 Anna M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice time at Christmas Legoland. Thank you all for making our day extra special.

  • 5/5 emily s. 3 years ago on Google
    my kids had a fantastic time. burgers were tasty and the activities were absolutely fun

  • 5/5 Karina C. 3 years ago on Google
    I had an amazing day there! Will go back when son is over 90cm tall so he can go on all the rides! You really need the whole day, we were there around 11 and we run out of time! Can't wait to go back ❤️

  • 5/5 Kayleigh C. 3 years ago on Google
    Just stayed in the hotel but facilities and staff were amazing

  • 1/5 Pauline W. 3 years ago on Google
    Went to see Santa. What a great big disappointment. A few Christmas trees and lights, otherwise you would not know it was Christmas. A lot of money for nothing.

  • 5/5 lucy h. 3 years ago on Google
    so fun!

  • 5/5 Local R. 3 years ago on Google
    Got there and my bestie drowned in the submarine ride i tried to breath for him but there was a lifeguard that helped him it was a good day out with the famalam and the mans hotdogs were leng

  • 5/5 David D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great absolutely loved it

  • 5/5 Vicki W. 4 months ago on Google
    Went for an exhibition, stayed for the amazing building

  • 5/5 Angelos A. 3 years ago on Google
    Great attraction

  • 5/5 brian clive o. 4 years ago on Google
    Exhibitions that were present at the time, library and an amazing bookshop

  • 5/5 Mark S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great evening at Architects Underground event. Highly recommend

  • 2/5 John S. 4 years ago on Google
    At to go there for work

  • 2/5 Roberto R. 4 years ago on Google
    Horribly organized

  • 5/5 Hayder H. 4 years ago on Google
    nice place with architecture specific library and regular half term architecture events for families and children.

  • 5/5 Jonathan H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bookshop and nice cafe. Current exhibition on the Bauhaus well worth seeing.

  • 5/5 Eamonn T. 4 years ago on Google
    Magnificent palace dedicated to architecture. The building walks the talk.

  • 4/5 Rob D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great venue, beautiful internal architecture.

  • 5/5 Bianca �. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this building, the architecture, the interior space, the people, the library, all of it. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Dean P. 4 years ago on Google
    Fascinating architecture as expected, and a great concert venue

  • 5/5 Aliya B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for exploring British architecture

  • 5/5 Nick von B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bookshop on architecture in London

  • 5/5 Jay H. 4 years ago on Google
    👌

  • 4/5 Baghdad I. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to go

  • 5/5 PB 5 years ago on Google
    Always worth visiting. The public exhibitions change frequently. One down side is that it use to do the best breakfast in London, which it no longer does.

  • 5/5 Rae C. 4 years ago on Google
    When we got here today 7.8.19 maybe around 2:30pm the temporary exhibition Playing the Picturesque was empty so my children got to use the touch pads leisurely. The pads make the screens move so it looks like you travel through the space and things pop up like parts of buildings. The man at the desk was friendly and told us there was also a small number of architecture related art upstairs & what else was on for children as well. Thank you for a nice visit.

  • 4/5 john w. 4 years ago on Google
    An exquisite place to host an event and get the very best or world class service. All sorts of events can be hosted and the availability of free exhibition shows makes it easy to access the building and feed your eyes. The staffs are exceptional always there to help and guild you through.

  • 5/5 Daniel H. 4 years ago on Google
    Quiet little cafe on New Portland Street. Excellent sweets made in-house.

  • 5/5 kevin f. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful building and a fantastic library

  • 5/5 The Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Magnificent, and real. Two great words that the Royal Institute of British Architects are mutual with.

  • 5/5 Greg 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely large plaque facing Portland St

  • 5/5 D C. 3 years ago on Google
    My girls and I had a great time in this theme park. My personal favorite is Miniland. The girls loved the playground and other rides. The road signs though is a bit tricky and we kinda got lost on our way out. But other than that, it's a funfilled experience!

  • 4/5 Gaming O. 3 years ago on Google
    To start on the few cons this place has. Prices for the gift shop are absolutely ridiculous. Absurd price gouging on par with that which cinemas do with confections. I remember buying a small two mini figure lego let that fit in the palm of my hand for over £20. Aside from that the rooms themselves in the resort seem rather steep for what you get but that is an outside observation as I opted not to stay in one due to this reason. Onto the good news then, this place is fantastic. From the meticulously built mini lego monuments and city recreations to the huge intricate roller coasters dodging and weaving through Castle on what seems like a never ending supply of twisted metal bars, twirling and curving all over the resort, the roller coasters are amazing. The lego star was exhibitions brought me endless joy from seeing my favourite characters recreating critical battles and movie moments in lego form. The highlight however was a themed town in a certain area of the resort that featured a submarine ride that turned from interesting to fascinating once I was inside and greeted with an underwater view like that of a proper aquarium. An absolutely fantastic place to visit at least once.

  • 5/5 Katie C. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place great for children and adults

  • 5/5 stuart p. 3 years ago on Google
    Family loved every second

  • 5/5 Clive G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) We have been 2 times to the park. We stayed at the hotel and had a great time. To repeat!! (Original) Hemos ido 2 veces al parque. Nos quedamos en el hotel y lo pasamos en grande. Para repetir!!

  • 3/5 Tim Yoofi A. 3 years ago on Google
    Not much

  • 4/5 Alex F. 3 years ago on Google
    Not much Food options can choose at park

  • 4/5 Jack H. 3 years ago on Google
    More suitable for kids around the ages of 6-14. Not as many WC Facilities as I wouldve personally liked as you have to go hunting for them. However the Mini World Display is fantastic and a lot of hard work was put into it, though I recommend doing that part of the park last as there are very VERY Long waiting lines of up to 60-70 minutes depending on what day of the week you go. Would recommend spending 2-3 days as 1 day wont allow you to get on every ride.

  • 4/5 Lloyd V. 3 years ago on Google
    Great couple of days at legoland although the 1st day the reserve ride passes had sold out so the ques were very long and we didn't get on much. The 2nd day was much better with que jumps made the whole experience much more enjoyable and less stressful, food inside is pricey but expected at a theme park. All in all the kids loved it and well worth going.

  • 4/5 Linda N. 3 years ago on Google
    What a great day we had!!! We wouldn't blink twice if I was asked to go back. Yes most definitely! Fantastic day! So much to see, to do.... we manage to do 5 ride. I'm not sure if thats the average but 4* is for the waiting. I mean I never waited so much.... our average waiting was 1hr minimum for a ride NO JoKe, and now with Covid, I'm sure its a lot worse! But hey... kids had a ball and we did as well. Food super expensive, soooo glad we brought our own lunch, and yes arrive Early! We got there just on time for 10 and it was already getting v busy so we didn't wait at all to get in. Priority car park worth it.

  • 5/5 Vijay K. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning LEGO creations and some fantastic rides and family friendly activities makes LEGOLAND a go to place for some all day serious fun! Ninjango was our particular favourite. Reasonably priced foods at restaurants with very friendly support staff. Its a MUST go place and well worth the ticket price.

  • 5/5 Phill W. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place

  • 3/5 Kinza T. 4 years ago on Google
    Ok

  • 1/5 Darren F. 4 years ago on Google
    Architects meh

  • 5/5 Steve S. 4 years ago on Google
    My son is taking part in an Architectural Course there and is really enjoying it!

  • 5/5 Emily S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great building!! Worth visiting!!

  • 5/5 Rob B. 4 years ago on Google
    If you get to go inside, and iconic building, the first floor is stunning. If you can't go inside look at the bronze doors, wonderful

  • 4/5 Ray S. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a shame the old first floor cafe closed. The ground floor cafe is still pretty good.

  • 5/5 Peter M. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous art deco building. Went there for a wedding. A great venue choice.

  • 4/5 Emeka N. 4 years ago on Google
    It was a nice place, attended an event there.

  • 4/5 Kitsunibi13 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning venue, however, being partially deaf found the acoustics a problem so missed a lot of the talk. Happily friend filled me in.


Call +44 20 7307 5355 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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