Olympia, one of London's newest destination for food, drink and live music opens today

• The 140-year-old landmark welcomes visitors into its vibrant next chapter
• A new rooftop destination with curated bars, restaurants and al fresco terrace
• Immersive public art, live music and free summer events transform Olympia’s open spaces
• British Airways ARC opens with Self Esteem, launching London’s most anticipated new live music venue

Today, Olympia begins its next phase - opening up a new world within one of London’s most iconic landmarks. For the first time, guests can explore a vibrant mix of rooftop dining, live music, cultural experiences and public spaces designed to be enjoyed from day into night. Marking the next milestone in Olympia’s £1.3 billion transformation, the next chapter reintroduces the 140-year-old destination not simply as a venue, but as one of the capital’s most exciting new places to eat, meet, discover and stay.

Michael Volkert, CEO of Olympia comments: "This summer, Olympia opens its doors to visitors with a full programme of dining, live music, culture and free spaces to explore. Olympia has always brought people together, and we’re excited to welcome visitors from near and far to experience everything we have to offer.”

At the beating heart of Olympia is entertainment, culture and hospitality. Leading the way is The British Airways ARC a 3,800-capacity venue operated by AEG Presents, which reignites Olympia’s rich musical heritage - once graced by legendary acts including Pink Floyd - for anew generation. Launching tomorrow with a stellar programme of live performances, Mercury Prize-nominated artist Self Esteem takes to the stage on 16–17 June, followed by a calendar of acclaimed British and international artists set to make Olympia one of London’s most exciting live entertainment destinations.

Providing a vibrant backdrop to Olympia’s open spaces, the Square comes alive with an immersive art installation as its centrepiece for the summer programme. The colourful, striking backdrop is one of the first expressions of culture across the transformed destination and has been designed to intersect art, play and design. Across June, there is a programme of free live music and performances welcoming all ages, locals, Londoners, and those visiting from further afield. From 15 June, a selection of emerging artists, DJs and cultural showcases take place from 12pm onwards, with live music in the first week from Monday until Friday, and highlights including performances from The BRIT School, Essence Martins, Dan Whitlam, Eleni Drake, Alfreda, Ten West and K2K Radio DJs.

The celebrations continue throughout the summer, with free events taking place every Wednesday and Sunday until the end of August, including family-friendly activities designed to bring the community together and invite visitors to experience Olympia in a new way.

Beyond the installation, visitors can experience the Canvas, Olympia’s 83-metre-long, 8-metre-wide Samsung digital screen. Soaring above Emberton Walk, the Canvas is a showcase of digital art, live content and large-scale activations, adding a spectacular new dimension and a place for people to connect.

Opening 15 June on Olympia’s dazzling new rooftop is a collection of ‘only-at-Olympia’ bars and restaurants, sure to become one of London’s most exciting new dining destinations and West London’s go-to alfresco hotspot. Venues include Bar Arriba, a Mexican-inspired bar for cocktails and small plates, Wolves of Tokyo, a Japanese restaurant and late-night destination, Lillie’s, serving seasonal British dishes, and Arbour, a multi-concept food hall bringing together a range of independent operators. Offering open-air dining, drinks and panoramic views, it is designed for every occasion from weekend brunches to late-night cocktails.

These new eateries will complement the grand all-day restaurant, Idalia, which opened in Olympia’s historic Pillar Hall back in March.

Completing the summer openings are Hyatt Regency London Olympia (6 July) and citizenM London Olympia. Further venues and public spaces will be unveiled later in 2026, culminating with the British Airways Theatre opening in 2027.

As well as public venues and spaces, One Olympia, a new 550,000 sq ft state-of-the-art office building, will also start welcoming tenants later this year, and will be home to, amongst others, Premier League Studios, the Premier League’s new international content production arm; an International Convention Centre to complement the existing heritage halls; and The Addison, a premium lounge.  

Opened 140 years ago, the heritage halls at Olympia are the home of remarkable events, serving as a showcase for global culture and creativity on the world stage. This summer’s programme includes the annual London Wine Fair and Hyper Japan, alongside events taking place at Olympia for the first time, such as London Premier Padel P1, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to Olympia from 4-9 August.  

Once fully operational, Olympia is projected to inject more than £600 million into the UK economy each year, directly generating 7,000 jobs and welcoming a projected 10 million visitors annually.