The British Airways ARC is set to open its doors in west London later this month, marking a significant addition to the city’s music scene. With a capacity of 3,800, the venue is at the heart of the £1.3bn Kensington Olympia development. It will host a lineup of big names, including Van Morrison and McFly, as well as other notable acts.
The venue was constructed by AEG, the company behind the O2, and will be the first time that British Airways has acquired naming rights for a music venue. The opening night will feature a performance by the singer Self Esteem on June 16.
The site has a rich history of hosting music legends. Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, and the Cure have all performed at the previous Olympia, which was one of London’s most celebrated music venues during the 1960s and 1970s. The area has long been a hub for music, with the Rolling Stones and other icons making their mark in the vicinity.
Originally built as the National Agricultural Hall in the late 19th century, the complex underwent additions in the 1920s and 1930s. Over the years, it served as an exhibition hall and events space, welcoming acts like Pink Floyd, The Who, and the Chemical Brothers.
In 2021, part of the building was demolished to make way for the new, state-of-the-art venue. The goal is to create a space that can make its own mark on British music history. The British Airways ARC aims to preserve the site’s legacy while bringing today’s top artists to west London.
The lineup already includes Bloc Party & Interpol, the Black Keys, and Van Morrison’s residency. Non-musical events such as AnimeCon London are also planned.
The new venue stands out for its modern design, featuring top-class lighting and acoustics, along with excellent sightlines from every seat. Despite its compact appearance, the 3,800-capacity venue ensures great views of the stage from all angles. There are also plenty of toilets and accessible seating options.
A novel self-service bar is included to reduce waiting times, and a BA VIP wing offers guests a champagne and cocktail experience with the best view in the house. The venue’s design incorporates prominent British Airways branding, even in the bar, which resembles an airport check-in area.
The venue is ‘plug and play’, meaning all the necessary equipment for artists is already on-site. AEG has spent six years preparing the building for its opening, with only minor finishing touches left before it’s fully ready.
Lucy Noble, AEG artistic director, said: “It’s been a huge undertaking; the building has been immense. It’s a very intense, exciting process. We have a self-serve bar; it’s an easier way for people to get a drink. We are trying to be as diverse as possible, not just about young or established artists. The Van Morrison residency is very exciting. No tickets will be wildly expensive.”
She added that the venue hopes to attract people from far and wide, with a focus on drawing in the west London crowd. Future residencies are also in the works.
Other features of the development include 30 bars and restaurants, as well as 5,500 square feet of office space. Calum Laming, BA chief customer officer, said: “We are incredibly proud to champion British originality and are thrilled to be building on our further support for the arts and culture. As the flag carrier for the UK, it’s important that we represent modern Britain at home and all around the world.”
