55 Broadway, London
55 Broadway stands above St James’s Park Underground Station in Westminster. Completed in 1929 as the headquarters of the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL), a precursor to Transport for London (TfL), it is a Grade I-listed modernist landmark. It was described as London’s first skyscraper and was the city’s tallest office building when completed.
Designed by Charles Holden with input from Frank Pick, the building is known for its cruciform plan, Portland stone exterior and sculptural decoration. Its interior is currently difficult to visit because of redevelopment into a hotel, but the exterior and sculptures can be viewed from public areas.
History and development
The UERL commissioned 55 Broadway in 1926 to centralise London Underground operations. Holden’s design marked a new era in London’s skyline and brought architecture and public art together in a major transport headquarters.
The building sustained bomb damage during World War II. Restoration work in the 1950s and 1960s returned the Portland stone façade to its former appearance. Refurbishments in the 1980s balanced modernisation with the preservation of Art Deco features. In 2011, 55 Broadway received Grade I-listed status.
For over 90 years, it served as a hub for London’s transport leadership. The Johnston typeface and Tube roundel were among the iconic elements developed there.
In 2019, TfL sold the building to Integrity International Group, which planned to convert it into a 520-room hotel and conference venue while preserving its heritage features. Westminster City Council approved the redevelopment in 2020. The plans include public access to terraces, new restaurants and retail, and improved station entrances. The hotel is expected to open in the coming years.
What to see
Architecture and design
The cruciform plan was designed to maximise daylight, which was unusual at the time. A steel frame is clad in Portland stone with visible chisel marks, giving the building a robust yet elegant exterior.
Art Deco details include brass lift doors, travertine marble and oak-panelled boardrooms. The executive suite’s en-suite bathrooms were innovative for their time. The building also had advanced office layouts, innovative lighting and a train interval indicator that reflected its role in transport operations.
Sculptures
The façades feature ten major sculptures by artists including Jacob Epstein, Henry Moore and Eric Gill. Their subjects include the Four Winds and allegorical figures. The programme was controversial at first but is now recognised as part of Britain’s modernist heritage.
Eight high-relief sculptures, inspired by the ancient Greek Tower of the Winds, depict the cardinal winds. Their artists include Eric Gill, Alfred Gerrard, Allan G. Wyon, Eric Aumonier, Samuel Rabinovitch and Henry Moore. Moore’s “West Wind” was his first public commission.
Above the Broadway façade, Jacob Epstein’s “Day” and “Night” caused controversy for their nudity and bold style, prompting public debate and media attention.
The sculptures were carved directly into the building’s Portland stone. Their tactile, unpolished finish allows the reliefs to weather naturally and reinforces the building’s monumental appearance. The programme challenged public norms with its modernist aesthetic and nude figures; initial controversy gave way to widespread appreciation.
Practical visiting information
Access, hours and tickets
The exterior can be viewed at any time from public areas above St James’s Park Underground Station. Exterior viewing is free. Public access to the interior is limited during redevelopment; interior visits are generally restricted to special events and tours, which require tickets and advance booking.
Transport for London and heritage organisations occasionally organise guided tours. Annual Open House Festival events and other heritage tours may also offer access. Check the listings and contact organisers about availability and access arrangements.
Location and transport
55 Broadway is at the junction of Broadway and Petty France, above St James’s Park Underground Station on the District and Circle lines. The station is described as having step-free access.
The building is also reachable by bus routes 11, 24, 148 and 26, and is a short walk from London Victoria Station.
Accessibility, facilities and photography
The exterior and surrounding public realm are wheelchair-accessible. The entrance and ground floor are also described as accessible, though interior access during tours may be limited. Upper floors and roof terraces may be restricted; check with tour organisers in advance.
Accessible toilets are generally available during special events. Cafés and restaurants can be found on Victoria Street.
Photography is permitted from public areas outside. Restrictions may apply during interior tours, so check with the guides.
Tips for your visit
Daylight hours, especially golden hour, are recommended for photographs. Check official information and event listings for the latest tour availability and redevelopment updates. Images and virtual tours are available through Art on the Underground and the London Transport Museum’s collection.
Nearby places
Nearby places to visit include St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Tate Britain, and Victoria Street, which has shopping and dining.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tour inside 55 Broadway?
Interior access is limited to special events and tours. Check official listings for opportunities.
Are tickets required?
Tickets are required for guided tours. Viewing the exterior is free.
Is the building accessible?
The exterior, surrounding public realm, entrance and ground floor are described as accessible. Access to upper floors and roof terraces may be limited.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is permitted from public areas outside. Check with tour organisers about photography during interior visits.
