institution/profession
Sir Denys Lasdun, 1964
11 ST ANDREW'S PLACE, REGENT'S PARK, NW1 4LE
This audio described tour is specifically for those with visual impairments. The 2025 London Open House Festival, in conjunction with VocalEyes, is pleased to announce an audio described tour, including tactile elements, and accompanied by an expert from The Royal College of Physicians, of their striking, provocative building and one of London’s few Grade I listed post-war buildings.
Baker Street, Great Portland Street, Regent's Park, Warren Street
Euston
18, 205, 27, 30, 453, 88
The building is fully accessible with a lift to all upper floors. Vis https://history.rcp.ac.uk/visit-us/accessibility for more information
It is likely to be busy with general festival visitors but there will be quiet moments and the option to sit down.
Audio Described Tour
12:00–13:30
NOTE: Each ticket includes an extra space for a companion. The tour will start at 12 noon but please arrive in reception at 11.45.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
A modernist masterpiece, award-winning and Grade I listed, it was designed by British architect Sir Denys Lasdun (1914 - 2001) and opened in 1964. It provoked strong reactions when it was first revealed.
‘This was an elegant, gracious street and now they slap us in the face with this thing.’ – Neighbour of the RCP at Regent’s park
‘Sausage factory – or architecture of international standing?’ – Press
Lasdun was chosen out of several architects, and challenged by the RCP to create a modern building that reflected the RCP’s future, while showcasing its past and matching its surroundings. Lasdun designed a modernist building drawing inspiration from the structure of the human body with classical elements, dramatic interiors and space to celebrate our ceremony and history. It is one of the few post-war buildings to be awarded Grade I listed status. In 1992 Lasdun was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Trustees Medal in recognition of his work at the RCP, considered to be ‘the best architecture of its time anywhere in the world’.
‘You can go and see it, and the building, if it has anything to say, will have to speak for itself.’ – Sir Denys Lasdun
Ticket holders will receive, by email, an introduction to the tour. This will be both a plain text document and an audio recording. It will introduce the building and provide directions on how to get to the venue.