velvethatlady: The Royal Panopticon of Science & Arts in…
The Royal Panopticon of Science & Arts in Leicester Square opened in 1854 to promote innovations in arts, science and manufactures and to entertain and educate the public – but closed after just two years following financial difficulties. Following a rebuild it started a new life as the Alhambra, a hugely popular music hall and theatre. This picture from the 1870s shows Leicester Square with the Alhambra prominent at the far end. The original Alhambra burnt down in 1882 killing two firemen. It went through several rebuilds before final closure and demolition in 1936. The Odeon Cinema occupies the site now. More on the Panopticon and the Alhambra and pictures of the amazing interiors can be found at these links:
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