Once serving as the entranceway to Buckingham Palace, this impressive structure built of white Italian Carrara marble was moved during the expansion of Buckingham Palace which stands today as the entrance to Hyde Park.

Designed by John Nash in 1828, the construction was inspired by the triumphal arc of Constantine in Rome. Several sculptures that were planned by John Nash never made it in to the final arch due to financial constraints and were instead mounted on the façade of the National Gallery.  The sculptures include two personifications, one of Europe and the other of Asia and India. John Nash is also thought to have planned to have the Duke of Wellington’s face depicted on the arch as well.

The area where the arch stands today was also once known as Tyburn, and was the site of large scale executions till 1783. These events would often attract large crowds and provided a gruesome form of entertainment. At the time hanging was just one of many options that were available for the executions.

When the arch was created only members of the Royal Family, the King’s Troop and the Royal Horse Artillery were allowed to ride or drive through the archway and this convention is still true today.

Also located very close to the monument is the Marble Arch Underground Station that was named after this structure. As a London hotel near Marble Arch, guests of Millennium Hotel London Mayfair will not only have easy access to this monument and Hyde Park, but will also have an efficient mode of transportation close at hand.