In short
- Stand on the pedestrian island at Portland Place for wide-angle shots.
- Photograph the 1932 Prospero and Ariel sculptures above the main entrance.
- Snap the live newsroom through ground-floor street windows.
In this article
- Where is the best place for a wide-angle photo?
- Can you photograph the sculptures on the building?
- Where should I photograph the modern BBC extension?
- Can you take pictures of the BBC newsroom?
- Are there photography restrictions at BBC Broadcasting House?
- When is the best time for BBC headquarters photos?
BBC Broadcasting House sits in central London near Oxford Circus. Since general public tours ended in 2016, the best way to capture the building is from the street. You can easily photograph both the 1932 original structure and the 2013 glass extension.
Where is the best place for a wide-angle photo?
Stand on the pedestrian island at the junction of Portland Place and Langham Place.
This location gives you a clear view of the clock tower and the 34-meter (112-foot) tall ship-like prow. It is the most famous angle of the 1932 Art Deco building.
Can you photograph the sculptures on the building?
Yes, you can easily photograph the Prospero and Ariel statues from the sidewalk.
These 1932 stone carvings by Eric Gill sit directly above the main entrance. You will need a zoom lens or a good smartphone camera to capture the fine details.
Where should I photograph the modern BBC extension?
Stand in the open public courtyard known as The Piazza.
The Piazza connects the 1932 original building with the 2013 glass extension. From here, you can photograph the sweeping glass exterior and the digital ticker tapes displaying breaking news.
| Location | Best Feature | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Place Island | Art Deco prow | 10 minutes |
| Main Entrance | Eric Gill statues | 5 minutes |
| The Piazza | Glass facade & ticker tape | 10 minutes |
Can you take pictures of the BBC newsroom?
You can photograph the newsroom through the ground-floor street windows.
This space is the largest live newsroom in Europe. You can often see the signature red desks and staff working. Security protocols sometimes require the privacy glass to be darkened, which blocks the view.
Are there photography restrictions at BBC Broadcasting House?
Exterior photography is fully permitted, but interior photos are strictly banned.
You cannot take photos inside the building, even if you secure free tickets to a BBC Radio Theatre show. Protests are also restricted in the immediate vicinity, so the area is closely monitored by security.
When is the best time for BBC headquarters photos?
Visit during the early evening to capture the building lit up.
The digital ticker tapes on the modern glass facade stand out against the darker sky. Early evening is also a good time to see if live outdoor broadcasts are happening in The Piazza.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a ticket to photograph the building?
No. Viewing and photographing the exterior of both the old and new buildings is completely free.
What Tube station is closest for taking photos?
Oxford Circus station is a 5-minute walk south of the building. Great Portland Street station is an 8-minute walk to the north.
Can I take a photo inside the Media Cafe?
No. The Media Cafe is completely closed to unvetted visitors following security updates.
