Dominating the first floor is the magnificent Florence Hall, the largest and most richly decorated room in the building.
Vast floor-to-ceiling windows, etched glass doors, patterned marble and wood floors and carved stone window splays set a grand and elegant scene for standing receptions, seated dinners, weddings, conferences and Christmas parties.
All of the furniture has been designed by Conran & Partners, and the room is equipped with fully-integrated audio-visual technologies. The windows flood the room with daylight and also open out onto a roof terrace designed by McCabe-Josland – a beautiful additional space for drinks and receptions, either in the open air or under a marquee.
By day, the Florence Hall is home to the RIBA Restaurant, which offers a fresh and creative menu of seasonal dishes and is open to the public. Small architectural exhibitions are also on display here.
The hall is named after Henry Florence, architect of Her Majesty's Theatre Haymarket, in whose memory HSE Vanderpant made a large donation to the construction of the RIBA building.
First floor landing
One of the grandest and most social spaces in the building is the first floor landing which extends around the marble staircase from the entrance area. The full-height windows and four monumental black marble pillars add a presence to the space that makes this an elegant setting for evening receptions for up to 150 people. The landing can be hired either on its own or in conjunction with the Florence Hall for truly memorable occasions. During the day there is a café here, offering breakfast, light lunches, afternoon tea and snacks.
Capacities
Florence Hall
Theatre style: 300
Seated dinner: 250
Dinner dance: 200
Drinks reception: 400
First floor landing
Standing buffet 150
Drinks reception 150
Dimensions
Florence Hall
L 18.5m W 17.4m H 8.0m
Room hire rates 2008
Florence Hall and first floor landing
Weekdays, 18.00-24.00: £4650
Saturdays, 16.00-24.00: £6045
First floor landing
Weekdays, 18.00-24.00: £1270
Saturdays, 16.00-24.00: £1650
Room hire rates are exempt from VAT, and include use of all standard AV equipment and use of a cloakroom attendant for the duration of the function. Any additional equipment or service will be charged at the standard VAT rate.
Discount room hire rates 2007
Florence Hall and first floor landing
Weekdays, 18.00-24.00: £3550
Saturdays, 16.00-24.00: £4615
First floor landing
Weekdays, 18.00-24.00: £1000
Saturdays, 16.00-24.00: £1300
Discount hire rates apply to RIBA members and RIBA CPD members.