BBC Buildings Through the Years
A look at the buildings that have housed the BBC's broadcasts over the years.
Alexandra Palace Park, London (1875) by Photographer: Horatio Nelson King (1830-1905) and Architects: John Johnson (1807-1878); Alexander McKenzie (1829-1893); Alfred Meeson (1808-1885)Royal Institute of British Architects
From Leisure to Broadcasting
Alexandra Palace, the first home of BBC television, was originally built as a leisure palace for the people. The original building opened in 1873 but burnt down just sixteen days later. This image shows the second palace, opened in May 1875.
Ideal site
The palace was in part chosen for its position on a hill 306 foot above sea level, meaning they only had to build a 220 foot mast to get the height required to transmit over London. It was later used to jam the Luftwaffe navigation signal during the Blitz.
In 1936, the BBC began the first regular TV service in the UK, followed by commercial networks in the US like NBC. World War II delayed expansion, but by the 1950s, TV became a household staple, reshaping entertainment, news, and culture globally.
Tap to explore
From Trade to Broadcasting: Bush House, London
Before it was the BBC's home, Bush House was a luxurious trade center built in the 1920s. It was a unique space that saw many 'firsts' for the BBC and played host to notable figures, including George Orwell, who is said to have created Room 101 after visiting one of its rooms.
Paris Cinema, located in Rex House on Lower Regent Street, London, became a key BBC broadcasting venue in the 1930s-40s. Originally a movie theatre, it was converted into a BBC studio for live radio shows, including dramas, and variety performances. Its excellent acoustics and seating capacity made it ideal for live audience recordings. The venue played a significant role in BBC’s entertainment programming, contributing to the expansion of radio broadcasts during the golden age of radio.
Broadcasting House
The BBC have repurposed a number of buildings over the years. Broadcasting House was the first purpose-built broadcasting centre in the UK designed by George Val Myer in 1932. It is still used today in central London and is a Grade-II listed building.
Preliminary design for Dance Music and Chamber Music Studio, Broadcasting House (1932) by Architect: Raymond McGrath and Artist: Raymond McGrathRoyal Institute of British Architects
Raymond McGrath
Raymond McGrath, an Australian architect, came to England to work. His first major commission came in Nov. 1930 when he was appointed decoration consultant to the BBC. He oversaw the design of the interior of Broadcasting House at Portland Place, London.
Art deco designs
McGrath's Art Deco designs for the BBC studios, including the vaudeville, green rooms, dance and music spaces, were a testament to his vision. The flowing lines and stylish details have stood the test of time and were retained during the building's 2000s renovation.
McGrath's team, including Serge Chermayeff and Wells Coates, created a harmonious interior for Broadcasting House, complementing the building's exterior with elegant curves and a contrasting colour palette.
Tap to explore
Modernising the BBC
The BBC headquarters was upgraded in 2013 with a new extension, designed to streamline operations and create a more unified workspace for all branches of the BBC. This expansion also provided a larger space for public access.
BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, Hammersmith, London (1960) by Architect: Norman & Dawbarn and Photographer: John MaltbyRoyal Institute of British Architects
BBC Television Centre
Television Centre, the world's first purpose-built television production complex - described as the Hollywood of the Television Industry - was officially opened on 29 June 1960, in White City, West London and designed by architect Graham Dawburn.
BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, Hammersmith, London (1960) by One of the landings that link the lifts to the office spaces. Bracken House was built 1955-1958 for the Financial Times by Richardson. It was one of the first post-War buildings to be listed in 1987 and in 1988-1991 the central part was rebuilt and the building refurbished by Michael Hopkins and Partners for the Obayashi Corporation. and Photographer: John MaltbyRoyal Institute of British Architects
A Hub of Innovation
The Television Centre was a revolutionary production hub with 8 studios, technical areas, and administrative offices. It was built to expand the BBC's broadcasting capabilities and was one of the most advanced facilities in the world.
Model of BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, Hammersmith, London (1960) by Architect: Norman & Dawbarn and Artist: McCutchon StudioRoyal Institute of British Architects
From Envelope to Landmark
The iconic BBC building's shape is said to have originated from a simple question mark. Architect Dawber sketched it on an envelope before realizing its potential as the building's unique form.
BBC MediaCityUK
In 2011 BBC staff moved to MediaCityUK in Salford, Greater Manchester. They occupy three buildings on the site – Quay House, Bridge House, and Dock House.
Media City, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester (2015) by Architect: Benoy and Photographer: Andrew CrothallRoyal Institute of British Architects
Media Hub
Several architects contributed to MediaCityUK in Salford: Chapman Taylor (masterplan), WilkinsonEyre (BBC North building), Sheppard Robson (The Studios), and Fairhursts Design Group (various commercial/residential buildings). Together, they shaped this modern media hub.
Explore more from RIBA Collections here.
All images are from RIBA Collections unless listed.
Entrance to Paris Cinema, Rex House. Rights: John Maltby / RIBA Collections
Interior images of Paris Cinema, Rex House. Rights: Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections
Broadcasting House, Portland Place. Rights: Janet Hall / RIBA Collections
BBC Television Centre, exterior and courtyard images. RIghts: John Maltby / RIBA Collections
BBC Studios Media City. Rights: Helen Tabor/ RIBA Collections
Media City Hub, Salford Quay. Rights: Andrew Crothall / RIBA Collections
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.