February 4, 2011, 6:00 AM
Before Its Transformation, Tours of London’s BBC Broadcasting House
By AMY ROSE DOBSON
Simon Kennedy
At left, the original BBC Broadcasting House and, at center, its modern, yet-to-be-completed sibling building.
London
POSTS | CITY GUIDE
A London institution is getting a makeover. Since 1932 the crossroads of Oxford and Regent Streets has been home to the headquarters for the BBC in a 12-story building known as Broadcasting House. From here, countless historical moments have gone out over the airwaves and been heard around the world, from performances by Vivian Leigh to the world’s longest running soap opera, “The Archers.” But although the building will soon go through a transformation, visitors can still take a tour of the historic spot.
This year is the last year that the building will exist in its current state of operation since a major £1 billion (about $1.6 billion) overhaul will add two new buildings and more than double the size of the headquarters. Tours of the existing Broadcasting House will be available for the rest of this year, giving visitors a view of some of the original workspaces still in use today by the news organization.
Tours, which are £9.95 for adults (about $16; 12 years and older only), are offered every Sunday and include the opportunity for visitors to produce a radio program and learn how to add music and sound effects. And since tours take place during working hours, visitors may catch a glimpse of well-known guests or hosts.
Tickets must be booked ahead of time on the Broadcasting House Web site.
Updated A previous version of this post incorrectly converted the amount of the BBC renovation into dollars. It has been fixed.
From today's New York Times.
s.
Before Its Transformation, Tours of London’s BBC Broadcasting House
By AMY ROSE DOBSON
Simon Kennedy
At left, the original BBC Broadcasting House and, at center, its modern, yet-to-be-completed sibling building.
London
POSTS | CITY GUIDE
A London institution is getting a makeover. Since 1932 the crossroads of Oxford and Regent Streets has been home to the headquarters for the BBC in a 12-story building known as Broadcasting House. From here, countless historical moments have gone out over the airwaves and been heard around the world, from performances by Vivian Leigh to the world’s longest running soap opera, “The Archers.” But although the building will soon go through a transformation, visitors can still take a tour of the historic spot.
This year is the last year that the building will exist in its current state of operation since a major £1 billion (about $1.6 billion) overhaul will add two new buildings and more than double the size of the headquarters. Tours of the existing Broadcasting House will be available for the rest of this year, giving visitors a view of some of the original workspaces still in use today by the news organization.
Tours, which are £9.95 for adults (about $16; 12 years and older only), are offered every Sunday and include the opportunity for visitors to produce a radio program and learn how to add music and sound effects. And since tours take place during working hours, visitors may catch a glimpse of well-known guests or hosts.
Tickets must be booked ahead of time on the Broadcasting House Web site.
Updated A previous version of this post incorrectly converted the amount of the BBC renovation into dollars. It has been fixed.
From today's New York Times.
s.
