City Hall

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In the immediate vicinity of the Tower and Tower Bridge, visitors come across a peculiar-looking building that resembles a crooked, indented egg: London's City Hall. The City Hall was designed by Sir Norman Foster and is a prime example of energy efficiency.

Up a flight of stairs into London's living room

The glittering glass egg is the seat of London's mayor and city council. Around 500 employees work in the ten-story building. A spiral staircase takes visitors up to a glazed platform called London's Living Room. Those who find the climb up the spectacular staircase too strenuous can use a lift up to the terrace. From London's Living Room, one can enjoy a magnificent view over the skyline of the metropolis. But not only the surroundings can be explored from the visitor platform. Those who like can also have a look into the meeting room of the parliamentarians. The name Living Room is meant to symbolize the transparency of the city administration towards the residents and to show that City Hall is open to the citizens at any time.

Motorcycle helmet or crooked egg?

The building opened in June 2002 and has been the subject of many comparisons since: Some said City Hall looked like Darth Vader's helmet, while others compared it to a motorcycle helmet or a giant bulb. The peculiar shape is meant to improve the energy efficiency of the building, as the peculiar shape reduces the surface area of the structure. Initially, City Hall was supposed to be even more futuristic, resembling a sphere floating above the Thames. But this was apparently too much for the conservative English and they decided on a more moderate design. The City Hall is located on the site of a former shipyard.

The opinions of the population about the idiosyncratic glass palace are divided. The contrast between the historic tower and the modern temple could hardly be greater. Visitors are best advised to see for themselves. Temporary exhibitions on various topics round off a visit to City Hall.