The Rotunda was the centrepiece of the 18th century Ranelagh Pleasure Gardens. This circular concert hall and entertainment space was 185 feet in diameter, comparable to the Royal Albert Hall.
This stunning 3D digital model was created by the Royal Hospital in collaboration with Infoaktiv and Llama Digital and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The team drew on a range of sources, including contemporary paintings, to bring to life the structure and interior.
The Rotunda was largely made of wood, with slate roofing. Its features included a central fire pit, orchestra pit and octagonal central chimney. It was lavishly decorated with gold embellishment and chandeliers. When pleasure gardens fell out of fashion, the one on our site was closed and the Rotunda was demolished in 1805.
Click on the images below to move around and explore the Rotunda.
