Hidden behind the iconic John Nash-designed terraces of Regent’s Park, The Diorama is a Grade I listed landmark with more than 200 years of British cultural history.

Originally constructed in 1823 as Britain’s first purpose-built Diorama, the building was conceived as one of the great immersive experiences of the 19th century. Inspired by Louis Daguerre’s pioneering Paris Diorama, it captivated audiences through a remarkable combination of light, scale and illusion decades before the advent of cinema. At its peak, it was regarded as one of the most innovative forms of visual entertainment in the world.

In 1852 the building was purchased by Sir Samuel William Peto, who extensively remodelled it to be used as a Baptist chapel. The building remained in this use until the 1920’s, from which point it has enjoyed a range of uses, including educational, an artists’ co-operative, hospital and, more recently, as the former offices for the headquarters of The Prince’s Trust.

Positioned on the southern boundary of Regent's Park, The Diorama occupies numbers 18 Park Square East, overlooking Park Square. It combines a striking Regency façade with 17,047 sq ft (NIA) / 22,082 sq ft (GIA) of flexible accommodation, arranged around an internal atrium that provides an abundance of natural light. Additional features include a double-height reception, dual access, off-street parking and access to private landscaped gardens.

The scale and flexibility of the asset complement its historic significance. The main entrance leads to a grand reception with symmetrical staircases. Behind the façade sits a three-storey polygonal building extending into Peto Place, with a glass roof covering a triple-height central atrium and lift core serving all floors.

Located within the Regent's Park Conservation Area in the London Borough of Camden, the property is supported by a lapsed planning permission for a comprehensive office redevelopment, including additional floorspace and a roof terrace, highlighting the building's significant repositioning potential.

Darren Arnold, Director in the London Development team at Savills, comments: “The Diorama is not simply a building; it is one of London’s hidden masterpieces. Conceived as one of the most ambitious immersive experiences of the 19th century, it has continually reinvented itself over more than two centuries while retaining an extraordinary sense of identity and place. Few properties can match its combination of architectural pedigree, historical significance and global recognition.

“Set within one of the capital’s most prestigious addresses and offered with vacant possession, The Diorama represents a truly generational opportunity. Whether as a private headquarters, cultural destination, world-class residence or legacy project, it offers the chance to own and shape the future of a genuine London icon.”