ArcelorMittal Orbit, Observation tower in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, England.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is an observation tower made of red steel in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. The structure twists upward in a spiral form and holds two viewing platforms connected by a staircase that winds through the framework.
The sculpture was built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, designed by artist Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil Balmond. Steel company ArcelorMittal funded the project and gave the structure its name.
The observation platforms present digital telescopes and concave mirrors that transform the perception of London's urban landscape through artistic elements.
The tower will reopen in 2025 under new management by Zip World after extensive renovations. Visitors can either climb the staircase or take the lift to reach the viewing platforms.
A tunnel slide made of clear plastic runs 178 meters (584 feet) in a spiral around the outside of the tower from top to bottom. The ride takes about 40 seconds and passes through 12 complete loops of the steel framework.
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