South Bank, London

I'm not sure if you have to be a fan or Shakespeare, a fan of theatre, neither, or both to enjoy a visit to the Globe Theater but I found it fascinating. Built in 1599, this original was destroyed by fire in 1613. Another theater was (re)built in 1614 on the original site but closed in 1642. It wasn't until 1996 that a reconstruction of the original theater was built and opened, about 750 feet from the original site.

Located on London's South Bank, the globe, circular in design, was a 3 storey open-air amphitheatre about 100 feet in diameter. It could hold almost 3,000 people. Many of those people, called "groundlings", paid only a penny to stand in the "pit" (at the base of the stage) to watch a performance. Today the new theater holds about 1,500 people total of which 600 are standing.

If you come for a performance bring or rent a seat cushion, as the wooden benches are rather hard. Check the website or call the box office for performance information.

There is a Globe Exhibition to the right of the theater with displays and hands-on exhibits as well.

Exhibition and Globe Theatre Tour: 9:00am - 5.30pm (last admission at 5:00pm).

There is a charge for tours which run every 15-30 minutes.

Admission for exhibition and theater tour:

Adult: £11.50
Senior (60+): £10.00
Student (with valid ID): £10.00
Children (5-15): £7.00
Children (under 5): Free
Family (up to 2 adults & 3 children): £32.00


Please note that all visitor information is correct as of this update.

1 more image

A permanent exhibition devoted to the works of Salvador Dalí, located in the former home of the Greater London Councile. Over 600 of Dali's works are on display, including the wold's most complete display of Dalí sculptures.
Four of Dalí's 20 ft monumental sculptures have been placed on the riverside walkway.
Dali was a Surrealist and many people still do not know what that is. They just think he was a bit off. Surrealism is a style in which fantastical visual imagery from the subconscious mind is used with no intention of making the work logically comprehensible.
Dali influenced the scene with his personal flavor of surrealism. The basis of Dali’s Work was a personally inspired system which he called the ‘Paranoiac Critical’ method. Dali explained this as "a spontaneous method of irrational knowledge based on the interpretative-critical association of delirious phenomena." This method was really an extension of Dali’s own fevered personality, the nature of which he summed up when he said, at an opening on an exhibition of his in work in 1934, ‘The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad.’
Dali was set apart from the group of surrealists in his time due to his right-wing politics (during this period leftism was the fashion among Surrealists, and in fact in almost all intellectual circles). If you enjoy art this is a must see!

Only 10 pounds per ticket or 7 pounds for students, Footsteps to the Moon is a musical about some escaped lunatics caught in the middle of a war and how the world around them is acutally as mad as they are. The subject is dark yet lightened by humour and the music is also quite uplifting. It is extremely slick and very professionally presented by actors normally working in the West End on such successes as Bombay Dreams and others. The nature of the venue is such that the audience feels as if we are part of the show, part of the experience. It is incredible.

On South Bank in front of County Hall you can see various sculptures of the Spanish artist Salvador Dalí's work. Inside the County Hall building you can find a gallery dedicated to Dali's work. There are over 500 works displayed. Some of Dalí's work can be experienced as a bit shocking. He himself says that his specialty isn't exactly modesty. His work in my opinion is very interesting and different for sure!

In this remarkable sculpture by Salvador Dali, time seems to stand still, almost as if in a time warp. The clock face appears to be melting and is attached to branches, perhaps resembling the tree of life? There is also an angel to the right kneeling by the hands of time. It is located practically next to the London Eye, and is worth stopping for a look. I found it rather interesting. There are several other examples of Dali's work along the South Bank of the Thames.

There are other works inside County Hall by the famous Spanish artist, that I would have liked to see, but I will have to plan on seeing that on my next visit, as, unfortunately, I was limited on time. The web site below will give you greater insight to his many works of art, along with prices for admission, operating hours, etc.

The Dalí Universe exhibition, situated in London's rejuvenated County Hall complex has been packing them in since recently opening its doors. Featuring over 500 works of art by the famous Spanish Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí this is a permanent installation of the travelling Dalí exhibition that has been touring the World – in such a way that I have already crossed its path twice, once when I visited the exhibit in Rome and once in Sydney.

Although Dali was most famous for his paintings, the Dali Universe showcases an extensive collection of Dali’s sculptures, rare graphics, jewellery, gold and glass objects, as well as etchings and watercolours. Much of which has not been seen in this country before…

There are three main themed areas called 'Sensuality and Feminity' (including the World-famous Mae West lips couch), 'Religion and Mythology' and 'Dreams and Fantasy'. Knowing the way Dali’s mind worked, or should I say not knowing the way his mind worked – I’ll leave you to imagine just what surreal works are on offer! One point of note with much of the work, especially the sculptures, is that they are not unique but part of limited editions.

So, if you’re into Dalí why not pop in next time you’re in London – and then take a stroll down to Tate Modern for a gander at a couple of his paintings… If you’re really serious, you should think about taking a trip to his fabulous museum in Figueras, Spain like I did!

This attraction is part of my epic Southbank Walk...

4 more images

Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00, with the late nights being Thursday and Friday (until 20.00)

There is a cafe and a shop.

During my visit in March 2011, I saw The British Art Show 7 - "In the Days of the Comet". It runs every 5 years.

It looks peculiar and must make you dizzy when walking around inside.

I think it cost me, the tax payer, a small fortune.

The building has been designed by Foster and Partners, one of Britain's leading architects, who have also been involved in designing the new Hong Kong airport and the Reichstag in Berlin. The structural engineers for the building and consultants on the feasibility of the design of the building are Ove Arup and Partners.

The design brief was to create a headquarters building that would become a new landmark for the capital. The design by Foster and Partners expresses the transparency of the democratic process and promotes the image of a modern vibrant world city.