[1] As the founding building, it was built between 1829 and 1831 on land granted to King's College by the government to complete the riverside frontage of Somerset House.

It is one of the central congregation spaces within the building, and is used for many events and activities, including the annual King's Fellows Dinner, banquetings, examinations, press conferences and presentations.

[6] The architect of Buckingham Palace, John Nash, offered free services for the building and the Great Hall.

Many original features and styles of the Hall have been restored, including the oak panelling, joinery and the King's College crest.

The original chapel was described as a low and broad room "fitted to the ecclesiological notions of George IV's reign.

[11] Renovated in 2009, the Anatomy Theatre and Museum is now a facility for teaching, research and performance, and is programmed and managed by King's Cultural Institute.

A sprung floor was laid, Access Grid technology and digital surround sound was designed, and a projector was installed in the Anatomy Museum.