Originally suggested in 1851 by Prince Albert, the scheme to build a Hall of Arts and Sciences in Kensington Gore faltered several times through lack of funds. In 1863, it was proposed that the scheme should be financed by selling the 999-year lease of the seats. Over 1,300 seats were sold at £100 each, entitling the owner to free attendance at every perfomance in the hall, an arrangement still only partly modified today. In 1867, the foundation stone was laid by Queen Victoria, who unexpectedly announced the prefixing of 'Royal Albert' to the original name of the building, and four years later it was opened by the Prince of Wales, acting in lieu of his mother, who was too overcome with emotion. The auditorium has a notorious echo, and it has been said that the only place where a British composer can be sure of hearing his work twice is at the Albert Hall.

No photographer or publisher is identified, but a small label pasted to the reverse gives the location. Produced as part of the same series as the previous stereoview.