Olympia reopens rooftop destination

Olympia has begun a major new phase in its £1.3 billion transformation, reopening as a day-to-night destination that blends heritage, culture, entertainment, hospitality and public space.

The 140-year-old London landmark is being repositioned not just as an events venue, but as one of the capital’s most exciting places to eat, meet, discover and stay.

At the centre of the launch is the British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity live music venue operated by AEG Presents. It revives Olympia’s musical legacy for a new generation, opening with Self Esteem on 16–17 June and setting the tone for a programme of British and international acts.

Olympia’s open spaces are also being animated through a summer cultural programme. The Square now features an immersive art installation, while free live music, DJ sets and performances are running across June, with more free community events every Wednesday and Sunday through the end of August. The line-up includes emerging artists, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities designed to draw in locals and visitors alike.

Another highlight is the Canvas, an 83-metre Samsung digital screen above Emberton Walk, which will host digital art, live content and large-scale activations. Together, these installations aim to make Olympia a more interactive and publicly accessible destination.

The rooftop is opening as a major food and drink attraction, featuring Bar Arriba, Wolves of Tokyo, Lillie’s and Arbour, alongside Idalia, the all-day restaurant already open in Pillar Hall. These venues are designed to make Olympia a new West London hotspot for brunch, dinners and late-night drinks.

Further openings include Hyatt Regency London Olympia and citizenM London Olympia, with more venues, public spaces and the British Airways Theatre due to follow. One Olympia, a 550,000 sq ft office building, will also welcome tenants later this year, including Premier League Studios.

The wider redevelopment is expected to generate more than £600 million a year for the UK economy, create 7,000 jobs and attract 10 million visitors annually once fully operational.