London: ArcelorMittal Orbit, Olympic Park
ArcelorMittal Orbit
Jake Davies
Originally called simply "Orbit", the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the tallest sculpture in the UK, an observation tower, and home to the longest tunnel slide in the world.
History & Design
The 114.5 meter high sculptural tower was built in 2011 for the London Olympics of 2012 and stands in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London.
It was meant to provide a lasting legacy from the games. The original impetus came from the then London Mayor, Boris Johnson, and the Olympics Minister who felt that "something extra" was needed for the Olympics site. They decided on some kind of tower higher than 100 meters would be appropriate. Comparisons with the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York were mentioned.
It was designed by artist Anish Kappor and designer Cecil Balmond who had previously worked together on an installation at the Tate Modern.
Their winning design was chosen from than 50 entries in the competition to decide the best. The steel used in its construction as well as the bulk of the funding was provided by Lakshmi Mittal, one of the richest men in Britain and whose company name Arcelor Mittal was attached to the original title.
Views
Access to the 80 meter high viewing platforms is by an elevator taking 34 seconds or an exterior spiral staircase with 455 steps, though it is suggested that you take the elevator up and the stairs down.
360 degree views from the observation platforms look down on the Olympic Park with the home of West Ham football team, the London Stadium, and the London Aquatics Centre both immediately adjacent to the tower.
Under good conditions visitors can see up to 20 miles in every direction, out across London and beyond. Audio-visual screens explain what can be seen.
Tunnel Slide
In 2016 a tunnel slide was added to the Orbit. Designed by German artist Carsten Hoeller. It has 12 twists and turns over its 128 meters length which makes it both the tallest and the longest tunnel slide in the world.
In the Welcome Center you can learn about the design and construction of the Orbit.
A variety of souvenirs and memorabilia are available from the gift shop and a cafe immediately adjacent to the tower serves drinks and snacks.
Access
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
5 Thornton Street
London E20 2AD
Tel: 0333 8008 099
Stratford Tube Station is the nearest station to Olympic Park on the Central Line, Jubilee Line, Docklands Light Railway and North London Line.
Stratford International Station is a 5-minute walk. St Pancras International and King's Cross stations are now only 7 minutes away by train to Stratford International Station.
London Stadium, the home of West Ham United, is close by.
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