Admiralty Arch

Admiralty Arch stands at the western end of The Mall in the City of Westminster, linking it to Trafalgar Square. The building was designed by Aston Webb and completed in 1912. It combines the features of a triumphal arch with those of a government office. The structure is asymmetrical, with the right wing having one more floor than the left. A Latin inscription runs along the top of the arch. The arch was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria. It served as the official residence of the First Sea Lord, including Louis Mountbatten. The building housed various government offices, including the Cabinet Office and the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. Beneath the arch lies a network of tunnels and chambers that once held government archives. A small nose-shaped protrusion on the inside wall was added by artist Rick Buckley in 1997. Visitors pass under the central archway, which is reserved for royalty on ceremonial occasions. The sculptural figures of Navigation and Gunnery by Thomas Brock flank the ends of the wings. The building is currently being converted into a luxury hotel under the Waldorf Astoria brand. Plans include a 100-room hotel, residences, and a private members' club. The transformation preserves the arch’s historic features while adding modern amenities.