ArcelorMittal Orbit
Tower Twisting observation tower and public artwork in London
A sculptural observation tower in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park offering city views and a long slide. Tourists visit for the panorama, contemporary public art and the descent.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a 114.5 metre tall observation tower and public artwork in Stratford, east London, completed for the 2012 Olympic Park. It was commissioned for the London 2012 Olympics and carries the name of its steel sponsor, ArcelorMittal.
The structure provides elevated viewpoints over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the River Thames and parts of central London from an enclosed observation platform near the top. Internal lifts and stair access bring visitors up through the red steel lattice to viewing areas and interpretive displays about the sculpture and the Games.
A separate commercial attraction is a tubular slide that descends the exterior of the tower; the slide is operated on limited dates and requires a separate ticket. The tower itself is notable for its twisting lattice form and for being the United Kingdom’s tallest sculpture.
Designed by sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor with structural engineer Cecil Balmond, the tower was commissioned as part of the legacy works for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and opened in 2012. The structure has since been maintained as a permanent landmark and visitor attraction operated under naming rights held by ArcelorMittal.
Sited in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, the Orbit stands close to the London Stadium and Stratford Underground and rail stations, in the London Borough of Newham in east London.
- Height: Reaches 114.5 metres in height, making it the tallest sculpture in the United Kingdom.
- Slide: A commercially run tunnel slide follows the exterior; it is sold as an add-on experience distinct from the observation visit.
What to See #
- Observation platform: Located at the south end of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the observation platform sits near the top of the structure and offers panoramic views across Stratford, the River Thames and central London on clear days.
- Tunnel slide: A tubular, enclosed slide added after the tower's opening runs down the external structure; it is a commercially operated attraction and follows a serpentine route around the lattice.
- Steel lattice structure: The main structural element is a twisting lattice of red steel that forms the 114.5 metre tall sculpture and contains internal staircases and lifts for visitor access.
How to Get to ArcelorMittal Orbit #
From central London, take the London Underground to Stratford station (Central and Jubilee lines) or Stratford International (DLR); the ArcelorMittal Orbit is a short walk through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from the station.
Tips for Visiting ArcelorMittal Orbit #
- Book online in advance-slots (especially for the slide) sell out during school holidays.
- Buy tickets for the Slide separately if interested; the slide is closed for maintenance periodically.
- Visit in late afternoon for softer light over the Olympic Park; the viewing platforms offer different perspectives than the photo ops on the plaza.
Best Time to Visit ArcelorMittal Orbit #
The Orbit is best visited outside mid-summer weekends; weekdays and late afternoons offer shorter queues and clearer city views.
Weather & Climate near ArcelorMittal Orbit #
ArcelorMittal Orbit's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (618 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
