Marble Arch

Marble Arch is a marble triumphal arch located next to Hyde Park and Oxford Street. It was created to celebrate British victories in the Napoleonic wars. Until 1851, it stood opposite Buckingham Palace and constituted the ceremonial gateway to the palace.

The arch was designed by John Nash in 1825. The architect modeled on the Roman Arch of Constantine the Great. The project lasted 8 years. Due to rising costs, the arch construction was discontinued in 1830 and the design was modified. Removed, among others sculpture of George IV, which stood in Trafalgar Square. The original model of the arch is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

In 1851 the gate was moved to its present place. A popular tale says the arch was too narrow for the royal carriage. In fact, this decision was dictated by the expansion of Buckingham Palace. Until 1968, a police station operated in three rooms inside the building.