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Ugly is as ugly does?

Take a walk on  Modernism’s angry underside. You can’t miss it.

. . . . and it’s free. When in London, if you’ve ever walked over the Bridge from the Big Ben side and then to the National Theatre side, you may look up, gander and scratch your head Modernism’s “angry underside” as it’s known to some. At this point, you will find yourself outside of the National Theatre, and there you will behold one of the most divisive buildings in The Smoke. We love it, some don’t, but you can’t ignore it, nor should you even try. It’s very important in many ways.

London’s National Theatre, designed by architect Richard Rogers and opened in 1976, has been a subject of architectural debate ever since its completion. Its bold and unconventional design has made it a divisive building, with critics and admirers expressing strong opinions. The building’s industrial appearance, with its exposed concrete and steel structure, is a stark contrast to the traditional Georgian architecture that dominates much of London. Again, we love it and visit inside and out whenever we can. But watch the video above to get a much better assessment than we can offer.

Be happy that you can experience art just by stepping out the door. Take a Brutalist Architecture & History Walking Tour, right on The Thames. Learn about the history of Brutalism and photograph notable examples. Click here to book. The tour is two hours & 45 minutes. You’ll walk away a new person. Click here to book.

Next stop, n’how, your new favourite hotel in London. Fun, Zany and unforgettable. Click here to book.

Get in and out of London. OMIO have planes, trains and more. To to book your rail tickets, click here

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