The National Theatre forms an “urban landscape” composed of solid towers and interlocking terraces along the Thames. Its stepped massing is structured through horizontal bands—referred to by the architect as “strata”—which connect the stage towers and articulate the building’s relationship to the surrounding city.

The design responds directly to its urban context: the pale tone of the concrete was chosen to echo the stone of the adjacent Waterloo Bridge and Somerset House across the river, while preserving long views towards St Paul’s Cathedral. The surfaces of the building reveal the imprint of rough timber board formwork. On a horizontal level, coffered ceilings introduce a contrasting sculptural texture to both interior and exterior spaces.

From its completion in 1976, the building became the subject of intense public debate. In 1988, Prince Charles added to the discussion by describing it as a clever way of building a “nuclear power station in the middle of London without anyone objecting”. Others praised its ability to reconcile monumental scale with human proportions. The Royal National Theatre was repeatedly voted among both the most disliked and the most loved buildings in London.

Grade II* heritage listed building since 1994. Renovated and expanded 2007–2015 (last updated on January 20, 2026).