Kings Place

Kings Place Visiting Hours, Tickets, and London Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Cultural and Architectural Significance of Kings Place

Kings Place is a landmark of contemporary culture and design in the heart of King’s Cross, London. Conceived by Peter Millican OBE, the venue exemplifies a bold vision to intertwine commerce and the arts within a single, sustainable development. Since its opening in 2008, Kings Place has become a catalyst for the area’s regeneration, anchoring a community-driven approach to urban renewal while delivering world-class cultural programming (Kings Place: 15 Years; Kings Place: The Building).

Designed by Dixon Jones, the building is renowned for its sensitive response to the local industrial heritage, its striking undulating glass façade, and its welcoming, light-filled atrium. Today, Kings Place stands as a dynamic destination—home to state-of-the-art concert halls, visual arts galleries, and acclaimed hospitality venues adjacent to Regent’s Canal (Buildington; Modern Architecture London).

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Kings Place—including its history, architectural highlights, visitor information, programming, and practical tips—to help you plan a memorable cultural experience in one of London’s most innovative arts centres.

Origins and Vision
Architectural Design and Features
Construction and Opening
Mixed-Use Functionality
Sustainability and Environmental Credentials
Cultural Impact and Programming
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Booking Information
Accessibility and Travel Tips
Guided Tours and Special Events
Photographic Highlights
Integration with King’s Cross Regeneration
Community and Educational Initiatives
Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites
Visitor Facilities and Amenities
Conference and Event Spaces
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Call to Action

Origins and Vision

At the dawn of the 21st century, King’s Cross was undergoing significant transformation. Peter Millican’s vision for Kings Place was to create a space where commercial activity would actively support a vibrant cultural programme. By merging office space with an arts centre, the venue set a precedent for mixed-use, sustainable urban developments (Kings Place: 15 Years).

Architectural Design and Features

Kings Place was selected through an architectural competition, ultimately led by Dixon Jones, a firm celebrated for projects including the National Gallery and Royal Opera House (Buildington). The building is defined by:

Undulating Glass Façade: The York Way frontage captivates with curved, triple-layer glass panels that both reduce solar gains and create a dynamic visual presence (Modern Architecture London).
Atrium: A central, light-filled space links the arts venue, galleries, hospitality, and offices, fostering openness and accessibility.
Sensitive Contextual Design: The building responds to its canal-side location and neighboring heritage warehouses, breaking into distinct sections that interact with Regent’s Canal and the Battlebridge Basin (Kings Place: The Building).

Construction and Opening

Construction commenced in the early 2000s, culminating in the 2008 opening—the first purpose-built public concert hall in central London since the Barbican (1982) (Kings Place: The Building). This milestone signaled King’s Cross’s transformation into a hub for creativity and commerce.

Mixed-Use Functionality

Kings Place is a model of mixed-use urban development:

Arts Centre: Two outstanding concert halls—Hall One (420 seats) and Hall Two (220 seats)—offer flexible, acoustically superb spaces for music and spoken word (Kings Place: Music).
Visual Arts: The venue houses Pangolin London (sculpture gallery) and the Kings Place Gallery, with rotating exhibitions managed by Piano Nobile (Kings Place: Visual Arts).
Offices: Seven office floors above ground accommodate leading organizations, including The Guardian and The Observer (Kings Place: The Building).
Hospitality: Onsite, Green & Fortune manages a café, bar, restaurant, and private dining rooms—many with canal-side seating (Best Venues London).

Sustainability and Environmental Credentials

Kings Place is a pioneer of green building management, achieving BREEAM “Excellent” for asset performance and “Outstanding” for management—the highest operational sustainability rating in the UK at the time (Best Venues London; RPS Group). Key features include:

High-performance glazing and natural light maximization.
Efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation.
Durable, responsibly sourced materials.
“Farm to fork” catering, with produce from its own Northumberland farm.

Cultural Impact and Programming

Kings Place is recognized for its eclectic programming, spanning classical and contemporary music, jazz, folk, spoken word, and cross-arts collaborations (Thoroughly Good Classical Music). Notable series and events include:

Unwrapped Series: Themed, multidisciplinary festivals, such as “Earth Unwrapped,” which explores environmentalism through music and art.
London Piano Festival: Attracts top pianists and new talent, with a focus on innovation.
London Podcast Festival & Literary Events: Major gatherings for the spoken word and literary communities.
Community and Education: Extensive outreach and learning programmes, delivered by the Kings Place Music Foundation (Kings Place: Learning and Participation).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–11:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Event-specific timings may apply—please check the Kings Place official website.
Tickets: Purchase online, by phone, or at the box office. Concessions and group discounts are available; advance booking is highly recommended.

Booking Information

Online: Kings Place official website
Phone/In Person: Contact or visit the box office during opening hours.
Groups/Corporate: Contact the venue directly for tailored packages.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

Kings Place is fully accessible:

Step-free access, accessible seating, and restrooms.
Hearing enhancement systems.
Disabled parking nearby (Kings Place accessibility page).

Transport:

King’s Cross St Pancras (Underground/International Rail) is a 5-minute walk.
Numerous bus routes and cycle parking; see the Kings Place website for details.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours—exploring architecture, history, and behind-the-scenes—are offered periodically. Special events such as “Unwrapped” festivals and community workshops further enrich the cultural calendar.

Photographic Highlights

Canal-Side Views: Regent’s Canal and the Battlebridge Basin offer scenic photo spots.
Atrium & Façade: Capture the interplay of light, art, and glass in the central concourse and along York Way.

Integration with King’s Cross Regeneration

Kings Place was instrumental in reimagining King’s Cross, attracting further development and blending historic character with modern creativity. Its design harmonizes with heritage warehouses and new constructions, enhancing the public realm along London’s waterways (Kings Place: The Building).

Community and Educational Initiatives

The Kings Place Music Foundation delivers a robust programme of learning and participation for all ages, partnering with schools, families, and community groups. These initiatives are central to the venue’s mission of inclusivity and creative engagement (Kings Place: Learning and Participation).

Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites

Enhance your visit by exploring:

British Library
Granary Square
Coal Drops Yard
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Regent’s Canal walks

Visitor Facilities and Amenities

Free Wi-Fi, cloakrooms, and family-friendly restrooms.
Cafés, restaurants, and bars with waterside views.
Secure bicycle parking.

Conference and Event Spaces

Kings Place is an acclaimed venue for conferences, meetings, and private events, offering flexible spaces with cutting-edge technology and hospitality services (Best Venues London).

Practical Visitor Tips

Book Early: Popular events fill up quickly.
Arrive Early: Allow 30–45 minutes pre-event for ticket collection and exploration.
Dress Code: Smart casual is recommended for evening events.
Photography: Permitted in public areas; restrictions apply during performances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Kings Place’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–11:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Event times may vary.

Q: How do I book tickets?
A: Online, by phone, or at the box office; details on the official website.

Q: Is Kings Place accessible?
A: Yes. Full step-free access, accessible seating, and assistance available (Kings Place accessibility page).

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, periodically. Check the website for upcoming dates.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: British Library, Granary Square, Regent’s Canal, and more.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to Kings Place and discover the best of London’s cultural scene. For current events, tickets, and visitor information, visit the official Kings Place website. Stay connected by subscribing to the newsletter and following Kings Place on social media. Enhance your cultural journey by downloading the Audiala app for audio guides and interactive experiences across London.

Key Facts and Figures

Opened: 2008
Architect: Dixon Jones
Concert Halls: Hall One (420 seats), Hall Two (220 seats)
Office Floors: 7 above ground
BREEAM Certification: “Excellent” asset, “Outstanding” management (RPS Group)
Location: 90 York Way, King’s Cross, London N1 (Kings Place: Contact)

References and Official Links

For a unique blend of visionary architecture, sustainability, and vibrant arts programming, Kings Place stands as an essential destination for Londoners and visitors alike. Book your tickets, explore its public spaces, and immerse yourself in the creative spirit at the heart of King’s Cross.