The German Gymnasium was built in 1864-5 at the expense of the German Gymnastics Society and the German community in London. It is believed to have been the first purpose-built gymnasium in the UK and was designed by Edward Gruning. It is a grade II listed building.
Today the building has two floor, a mezzanine, used for private events, and a ground floor, open to the public and hosting a variety of exhibitions relating to the future of the area. It is run by Argent, a company associated with the huge King's Cross central development to the north of the station. The exhibitions offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of ever-changing King's Cross.