Celebrating development of More Music
A Royal College of Music for everyone
Over the last two centuries, countless numbers have crossed the threshold of the Royal College of Music’s iconic Blomfield Building, entering a place where musical excellence is nurtured to the highest level. Among them have been world-famous musicians, gifted students, music lovers and inspiring educators.'
Throughout the 'Make an Entrance Appeal we used social media to share your stories of the first time you entered the RCM. Using #RCMMakeAnEntrance, we heard from visitors, graduates, students and professors, who reminisced about beginning their journeys with us, making their entrance for the very first time.
The RCM Entrance Hall and Foyer Hall have been in constant use for more than 125 years. Thanks to the support of our generous donors we have transformed these spaces, making them more open, welcoming and accessible so that everyone can participate in the rich musical life of the RCM.
The transformation included:
- Preservation of our celebrated mosaic floor
- New handrails for improved accessibility
- New Box Office
- New Reception desk
- Better access for all
Your support made this possible
Thank you to everyone who joined us in preserving our heritage and paving the way for better access to more music. Every donation to the Make an Entrance Appeal helped us achieve our ambitious vision and will continue to inspire musicians and music lovers for generations to come.
'A welcoming space that showcases the College’s proud history and remarkable talent is essential for inspiring the next generation of musicians.'
‘Your generosity provides our students with the opportunities they need for success as world-class musicians. Thank you for your support.’
Supporters and staff at the launch event in the newly remodeled Foyer Hall
The newly renovated Entrance Hall
The damaged floor mosaic in 2019 before refurbishment
The RCM's Entrance Hall in 2019, before renovation
The newly refurbished floor mosaic and Entrance Hall
The Entrance Hall in the 1920s
The Entrance Hall in 1990
Edward Fox, great-grandson of Samson Fox, original benefactor of the Blomfield Building, at the opening celebration
Harpist Stefania Lo Castro performing at the opening event for supporters
The new front door to the RCM
Make An Entrance
During the summer of 2019, the Royal College of Music ran its successful Make an Entrance Appeal to fund the revitalisation of our historic Blomfield Building's grand entrance. Thanks to the generosity of 178 kind donors, who collectively donated £75,639, we now proudly welcome visitors into spectacular new Entrance and Foyer Halls.
We are delighted that one third of the Appeal's supporters were inspired to donate to the RCM for the very first time. Philanthropy came from all quarters, with donors aged 27-100 and many RCM alumni offering their support. In addition to one-off donations, a number of donors established regular gifts, which are especially valuable to us as we plan for the years ahead.
The entrance renovation is an important part of our More Music: Reimagining the Royal College of Music Campaign, which represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our facilities for the future. The Campaign continues, with new facilities being prepared at great pace.
Courtyard before works commenced
Digger arrives for preparatory works
Breaking ground ceremony
Demolition underway
Piling underway
Concrete pour for the new building
Donors on a tour of the construction site
New opera dressing room
New RCM Studios composition suite
Building development timelapse
Watch our new building taking shape over more than two years of demolition and construction
Get in touch
If you would like further information about supporting the RCM or more information on how we put donations to the best use, our Head of Philanthropy will be delighted to talk to you.