Beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery in the City of London, this small exhibition preserves part of a Roman amphitheatre built around AD 70. You can see the surviving foundations and archaeological objects, including a legionary’s leather sole, in a dimly lit room with light installations that help evoke the arena. There is little of the structure left, so the visit is brief, but its underground setting offers a close look at Roman London. Entry is free, and you can continue into the Guildhall Art Gallery.
Remains beneath Guildhall
The amphitheatre was discovered in 1988 during construction of a new art gallery. Its remains were incorporated into the gallery’s design, preserving part of Roman London beneath the modern City.
Built around AD 70, the amphitheatre once held about 6,000 people. What survives today is limited to foundations and sections of wall, so the site is a small archaeological display rather than an intact arena.
What to look for underground
The exhibition is in the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery. Its dim lighting and focused displays draw attention to the surviving stonework and objects recovered from the site. Among them is a well-preserved leather sole associated with a Roman legionary.
Light installations and crowd sound effects help visitors picture how the arena may have felt. The display is easy to follow and fits into a short stop; the gallery above is part of the same visit.
FAQ
Is London's Roman Amphitheatre free to visit?
Yes. Entry to the amphitheatre and Guildhall Art Gallery is free.
Where is London's Roman Amphitheatre?
It is in the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery, at Guildhall Yard in the City of London.
How long do you need at London's Roman Amphitheatre?
The exhibition takes under 30 minutes to see. You can also spend time in the attached Guildhall Art Gallery.
Do you need to book London's Roman Amphitheatre?
Advance booking is recommended to secure a time slot.
