The Southbank Centre was first opened in 1951 as the venue for the Festival of Britain.  The Festival was a symbolic celebration following the Second World War and marked the centenary of the Great Exhibition. The Southbank Centre is made up of The Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Hayward Gallery and is recognizable by its bold, though not always popular architecture.  The Royal Festival Hall is the largest Arts centre in the world and regularly holds free exhibitions and concerts in its impressive foyer.  The Hayward Gallery is a leading venue for contemporary Art and detailed analysis of many artistic movements.The Southbank Centre has often been criticized for its cold, harsh and dominating exterior but there is no denying that it has become a cultural marvel.The Southbank Centre is well serviced by regular buses and by Waterloo Station, and lies in close proximity to many other attractions such as The London Eye, The Millennium Bridge and Jubilee Gardens.  The Southbank Centre has many shops and cafes and caters for every conceivable taste. Many of the world’s best orchestras and modern musicians have played within its limestone walls and many of the most influential artists of all time have their work displayed within the Hayward.The centre has been growing since 1951 and there are plans for many more additions and developments within the next few years.  A visit to London would not be complete without a visit to the South Bank.