Our Story

Our Story

Olympia London has enjoyed a colourful history since opening its doors to the public on 26th December 1886. Join us on a journey through 130 years...

 

Architect Henry Edward Coe’s elevation of Olympia exhibition hall in London.

1886

Architect Henry Edward Coe’s elevation of Olympia, showing the 170ft clear span of the roof. 
Image of the Hippodrome circus at Olympia event venue in London.

1886/7

Olympia’s inaugural event, the ‘Paris Hippodrome’.

1888

The First Great Horse Show, later to become Olympia, The London International Horse Show.

Image of The First Great Horse Show at Olympia event venue in London.
Olympia hosted the first Ideal Home Show in 1908 in its exhibition halls and event venues in London.

1908

Olympia hosts the first Ideal Home Show.

1919

The Cycle and Motor Cycle Show is held at Olympia.

The Cycle and Motor Cycle Show was held at Olympia exhibition venues in London.

1923

The New Hall was built (now known as Olympia National). The architect was Joseph Emberton who went on to design...

Image of the New Hall from 1922, which is now know as Olympia National, an exhibiton hall and event venue in London.
Old photo of Olympia Central exhibition venue and conference centre in London.

1930

The Empire Hall (now known as Olympia Central). The building was configured much like a department store, and Emberton later designed Simpson's in Piccadilly.

1947

The British Industries Fair is held at Olympia and Earls Court.

1949

The National Poultry Show is held at Olympia with proceeds going to the Force's Help Society and The Animal Health Trust.

Exhibition brochure covers from exhibitions at Olympia, London event venues and exhibition halls in London.

1954/5

Olympia hosted the first boat show in the then named Empire Hall.

Olympia hosted the first boat show in the then named Empire Hall, now known as Olympia Central exhibition venues and event space in London.
Cover of an event listing leaflet with events, exhibitions and conferences at Olympia, London.

1958

The cover of an event listing leaflet, illustrating Olympia's long affiliation with art and design.

1958

Olympia hosted the first computer exhibition. The British Electronic Computer Exhibition opened on 28 November in the National Hall.

Image of the British Electronic Computer Exhibition, first held in Olympia National exhibition venue in London.
Poster from when Jimi Hendrix played Olympia event venue in London, and brochure cover of Crufts at Olympia exhibition hall in London.

1967

Jimi Hendrix, The Animals and a young Pink Floyd play Olympia Grand. The Who cancelled.

1967

Cruft’s Dog Show held in Olympia Grand and National.

1973

Property tycoon Jeffrey Sterling, having bought Earls Court, then successfully bid £11.4 million for Olympia in March 1973, thereby sewing the seeds of EC&O Venues.

Image of Jeffey Sterling who bought Earls Court and Olympia in 1973 to bring the two London exhibition venues together.
Image of Olympia Two, now Olympia Central, exhibition venue and conference centre in London.

1983

Empire Hall relaunched as Olympia Two.
Image of the auditorium at Olympia Conference Centre in London.

1987

Olympia Conference Centre built with dedicated entrance, auditorium and meeting rooms for up to 450 delegates.

2011

£20m investment starts with the new West Hall, providing two floors of 4000sqm each.

Image of Olympia West event and exhibition venue at Olympia, London.

2012

Olympia London celebrates 125 years with specially commissioned works of art. The first was by Rob Ryan, who highlighted the ornate barrel roof and referenced the first event to take place at Olympia; the Hippodrome Circus in 1886.

Rob Ryan's illustration inspired by the Hippodrome Circus in 1886 at Olympia Grand venue at Olympia London.
Peter Blake's artwork celebrating the 125th anniversary of Olympia London venues.

2012

This piece by Peter Blake used archive material from Olympia show catalogues, posters and adverts.
Sanna Annukka's illustration of the venues at Olympia London

2012

Sanna Annukka's work was inspired by venue's location in the heart of London, and its status as an iconic landmark.

2013

The £30m redevelopment of the venues culminated in a completely rennovated Olympia Central and Olympia Conference Centre. The business rebranded as Olympia London.

Redevelopment plans of Olympia Central and Olympia Conference Centre in London.