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Photo: rjp from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Painted between 1975 and 1989, Topolski Century is a unique, monumental work of a Polish artist Feliks Topolski (1907-1989) that presents a remarkable record of the key events and the iconic figures of the 20th century such as Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Pablo Picasso and Coco Chanel. 600 feet long and 20 feet high, Topolski Century is the artist’s eye witness testimony to the era that shaped our lives. It is global in its scope and is Topolski’s legacy to future generations.
Bar Topolski is a bar and cafe in the Hungerford Bridge arches on the South Bank in London, England. Previously a gallery, it presented a large artwork by Feliks Topolski (1907–1989). In 2013, as a result of low visitor numbers and rising rents, the gallery became a bar, with some of the artwork remaining on display and the remainder being moved to a private studio.
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Large 1960s development on the South Bank. Built largely of concrete, views on its architectural merits vary considerably. Presents a varied programme of music, literature, dance, performances and exhibitions on contemporary art and culture at its venues the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Hayward. A host of new eateries and shops have now opened along the riverside and terrace. The Royal Festival Hall hosts almost daily classical music concerts throughout the year, tickets often available on the day. The Royal Festival Hall opened in 1951 and was substantially altered in 1964. Its 2007 renovation held true to its 1960s design. Free events are held daily, ranging from free music to festivals, interactive art installations to the popular slow food market.
The largest public art space in the UK and the exhibitions showcase masters and young British and international artists, usually accompanied by outdoor installations that bring the area to life. The gallery often holds free exhibitions which can be enjoyed by all. Particularly strong on contemporary art exhibitions. Hosts a single temporary exhibition at any time.
Set back from the riverside is the BFI IMAX, the largest cinema screen in the UK at 26 m wide, 20 m high. Shows family-friendly 3D IMAX films as well as action films which work well on the huge screen. Also hosts special all-nighters such as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
QEH
Music venue hosting daily performances.
London's most famous and popular skateboarding area, situated partly underneath Queen Elizabeth Hall along Queen's Walk and the Thames. Also popular with graffiti artists, BMXers and so forth.
Tucked under Waterloo Bridge, BFI Southbank, formerly known as the National Film Theatre, pitches itself as the home of film and has three screens showing classic (including silent), foreign language and less mainstream films. It has a new entrance on Theatre Alley, a shop dedicated to film, an interactive exhibition space and an excellent bar/restaurant at the back. Visitors can also access the Mediatheque - wind your way through the BFI's extensive film and TV archive for free. Cool bar and restaurant. Tickets are generally available on the spur of the moment.