Olympia has enjoyed a colourful history since opening its doors to the public on 26th December 1886. Join us on a story of how we have emerged to become a hub of industry innovation and inspiration.
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1886
Architect Henry Edward Coe’s elevation of Olympia, showing the 170ft clear span of the roof.
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1886/7
Olympia hosts its inaugural event, the ‘Paris Hippodrome’.
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1888
The First Great Horse Show, later to become Olympia, The London International Horse Show.
1908
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1919
The Cycle and Motor Cycle Show is held at Olympia.
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1923
The New Hall was built (now known as The National Hall), designed by architect Joseph Emberton.
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1930
The Empire Hall (now known as Central Hall). The building was configured much like a department store, and Emberton later designed Simpson's in Piccadilly.
1947/49
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1954/5
Olympia hosted the first boat show in the then named Empire Hall.
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1958
The cover of an event listing leaflet, illustrating Olympia's long affiliation with art and design.
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1958
Olympia hosted the first computer exhibition. The British Electronic Computer Exhibition opened on 28 November in The National Hall.
1967
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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.
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1983
Empire Hall relaunched as Olympia Two.
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1987
The old Olympia Conference Centre was built with dedicated entrance, auditorium and meeting rooms for up to 450 delegates.
2011
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2012
Olympia 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.
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2012
This piece by Peter Blake used archive material that appeared in show catalogues from Olympia, posters and adverts.
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2012
Sanna Annukka's work was inspired by the venue's location in the heart of London, and its status as an iconic landmark.
2013
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2017
Olympia is purchased by a consortium of investors, led by Deutsche Finance and Yoo Capital. Inspired by the venue’s history and original purpose, their vision for the space will see Olympia transformed into a world-leading arts, events entertainment and experiential district; to be enjoyed for the next 130 years and beyond.
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2022
ASM Global appointed to manage Olympia by its owners, retaining the venue team, and building for the venue’s future at the heart of a cultural destination.
asmglobal.com -
2025
Olympia London rebrands to Olympia to align with the wider visitor destination that is currently being redeveloped around us.
Explore future Olympia