Tower 42

Tower 42, once known as the NatWest Tower, is a skyscraper in the City of London in the United Kingdom that rises 600 feet (183 meters) into the air and contains 43 floors. Its facade consists of vertical steel fins with black glass between them, creating a distinctive pattern that gives the building its characteristic appearance.

The tower was completed in 1980 and remained the tallest building in the United Kingdom until One Canada Square surpassed it in 1990. Its original identity was closely tied to NatWest Bank, which commissioned the construction to house its London headquarters.

The building participates in the Sculpture in the City program, displaying contemporary art installations that enrich the urban environment. These artworks change regularly and bring new visual elements to the streets of the City of London, which passersby notice during their daily walk through the financial district.

The skyscraper has 21 elevators that transport its occupants, with restaurants on the 24th and 42nd floors that offer views over London. Visitors seeking these restaurants should note that access to the upper floors is typically restricted to guests with reservations.

The annual Vertical Rush event invites participants to climb 932 steps to the top, with the physical ascent supporting charitable organizations. The steps lead through the interior of the building and offer climbers an unusual perspective on the vertical architecture that ordinary visitors never see.

Location: City of London

Inception: 1980

Architects: Richard Seifert

Official opening: 1980

Floors above the ground: 43

Floors below the ground: 3

Elevators: 21

Height: 182.9 m

Address: 25 Old Broad Street, City of London London ENG United Kingdom

GPS coordinates: 51.51528,-0.08389

Latest update: December 3, 2025 09:52