Alexandra Palace camera obscura offers upside-down London views until 9 August 2026
Pinhole London installation on the south terrace projects live panoramas of the capital for visitors
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A camera obscura installation at Alexandra Palace is projecting live, upside-down views of London’s skyline for visitors until 9 August 2026. The walk-in structure, built by Pinhole London, stands on the palace’s south terrace and offers a real-time panorama of landmarks such as the Shard, BT Tower and Canary Wharf.
The installation is open daily from 2 pm to 6 pm. Entry is free, though a £3 donation is suggested. Pinhole London has made priority booking available online to manage visitor flow, though walk-ins are also welcome.
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How the camera obscura works
A camera obscura uses a small aperture to project light from an external scene onto a surface inside a darkened space. In this case, the installation captures London’s skyline and displays it upside down on an interior wall. Visitors can photograph the projection using their phones.
Pinhole London described the experience as an immersive journey into the origins of film and photography. A spokesperson said: "Visitors that step inside this immersive camera obscura will see a glistening panorama of London’s most iconic landmarks appear before them, upside down." The statement was reported by the Ham & High.
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Community workshops planned
Pinhole London is running a series of workshops inside the camera obscura for adults from Haringey’s disabled communities. The programme is delivered in partnership with the Winkfield Resource Centre and other local organisations. Details of the workshops, including dates and how to participate, have not yet been published.
What visitors need to know
The installation is located on the south terrace of Alexandra Palace. While walk-ins are accepted, priority booking is recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays. The suggested £3 donation supports the maintenance of the installation and community programmes.
The camera obscura will remain open until 9 August 2026. No further extensions or repeat installations have been announced by Pinhole London or Alexandra Palace.
Questions this report answers
+How much does it cost to visit the camera obscura at Alexandra Palace?
Entry to the camera obscura is free, but a suggested donation of £3 is requested. The donation supports the installation and community workshops. Visitors can pay on arrival or when booking online.
+What can you see inside the camera obscura?
The camera obscura projects a live, upside-down image of London’s skyline onto an interior wall. Landmarks such as the Shard, BT Tower and Canary Wharf are visible. The projection updates in real time as the view outside changes.
+Do you need to book to visit the camera obscura?
Walk-ins are welcome, but priority booking is available online. Booking ahead is recommended during busy periods, such as weekends and school holidays, to secure entry between 2 pm and 6 pm daily.
+When does the camera obscura at Alexandra Palace close?
The installation is open to the public until 9 August 2026. It operates daily from 2 pm to 6 pm. No plans for an extension or repeat installation have been announced by Pinhole London or Alexandra Palace.
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