In 1884 the National Agricultural Company announced plans to build the country's largest indoor exhibition hall. The premise was that agricultural show required a venue in the centre of the capital. The task was appointed to the architect of the Business Design Centre- Henry Coe. Work began on construction in the summer of the following year with a budget of just over £100,000. After just two and a half years, the four acre venue opened its doors for the first time.

Since then the venue changed hands on numerous occasions, and was expanded by the various different owners. Pillar Hall was built in 1896 and in 1923 the National Hall building was erected. 1929 saw the opening of Olympia two, previously known as the Empire Hall. The Olympia Conference Centre was built in 1987.

Olympia remains one of the largest venues in the UK and is used regularly for shows and exhibitions. The Olympia now boasts state-of-the-art facilities and sees millions of visitors every year. There are seven different venues at Olympia and the site has its own rail link.

What's On Here

Doctor Who Experience
Location: Olympia, Kensington
When: Sun 20th February 2011 to Wed 22nd February 2012

Who Do You Think You Are Live? 2012
Location: Olympia, Kensington
When: Fri 24th February 2012 to Sun 26th February 2012

London Bass Guitar Show 2012
Location: Olympia Conference Centre, Hammersmith Road, London
When: Sat 3rd March 2012 to Sun 4th March 2012

Move It- The UK's Biggest Dance Event
Location: Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London
When: Fri 9th March 2012 to Sun 11th March 2012

The Telegraph CRUISE Show
Location: Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London
When: Sat 24th March 2012 to Sun 25th March 2012

The Great British Tattoo Show
Location: Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London
When: Fri 20th April 2012 to Sun 22nd April 2012

The London Pet Show
Location: Olympia, National Hall
When: Sat 12th May 2012 to Sun 13th May 2012

The Spirit of Summer Fair in association with House & Garden
Location: Kensington Olympia, Warwick Way, London
When: Wed 16th May 2012 to Sat 19th May 2012

The One World 2012 Exhibition
Location: Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London
When: Fri 27th July 2012 to Sun 12th August 2012

The National Home Improvement Show
Location: Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London
When: Fri 28th September 2012 to Sun 30th September 2012

Spirit of Christmas Fair
Location: Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London
When: Wed 31st October 2012 to Sun 4th November 2012