London like Never Before

The Shard is an icon of London’s cityscape. A vertical city of offices, apartments and retail spaces, it punches up into the sky with its dramatic glass spire. It is London’s tallest building with a viewing platform almost twice the height of any other in the capital. Its 360-degree views stretch out more than 40 miles. It is quite simply unrivalled.

We developed The View from the Shard – the Shard’s visitor experience attraction that shoots you up 70 stories and ends with an electrifying view of London.

First stop is the foyer. Step inside and be thrown straight into the story. State-of-the-art technology, music and film come together to create a vibrant view of London life. A series of tongue-in-cheek illustrations introduce you to famous Londoners, past and present. Catch Margret Thatcher and Karl Marx riding a tandem bike, Vivienne Westwood giving King Charles I a makeover or George Orwell installing surveillance cameras. Videos walls show sprawling maps of London, giving a glimpse into its diverse communities, streets and buildings. Music injects energy into the space with a specially commissioned orchestral score composed by David Mitcham and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Next up is the lift. In just 60 seconds, the high-speed lift shoots up nearly 70 stories. Media displays take you soaring through some of London’s most iconic ceilings – St Paul’s dome, Ruben’s ceiling in Banqueting House, the British Museum’s Great Court.

Exit the lift at The Cloudscape. This triple height platform reveals the breath-taking panoramic views across London. 12 tell:scopes – digital telescopes with large touchscreens – let you explore the city in real time and discover up to 200 landmarks.

Finally, ascend to level 72. Only for the brave, this partially outdoor area thrusts you out into the open. Exposed to the elements, you can feel the wind in your hair as you take in the atmosphere and sounds of the city below.

The experience appeals to Londoners and tourists alike. It is a first-stop destination for anyone wanting to experience London like never before.