The Shard tower of London has been opened to the public

The opening ceremony featured a large laser light show on 5 July 2012. Photograph: Getty Images

 

View from Saint Paul’s Cathedral (December 2012) 

Photograph: © Lumberjack

Last Friday, on 1^st February 2013, there was opened the famous and controversial glass skyscraper “The Shard”, in London. The admirers of architecture, neighbours and members of the public, thus gained entry to observe the city from the viewing gallery and open-air observation deck on the 72^nd floor at a height of 245 meters, which is the tallest observatory in the city now.

“The Shard” tower has been designed for multiple purposes and it comprises large office spaces, restaurants, and a hotel Shangri-La 5 star, luxury residences, retail spaces and the public viewing gallery located between the floors 68^th and 72^nd.

Click on thelink to have the opportunity to watch and enjoy the 360-degree interactive panoramic view of London, from the building's public observation deck. This link brings you to The Guardian newspaper where the panoramic view was originally published. The 360-degree panorama offers the view of newest sights and sounds of London to you right now.

 “The Shard” tower was designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, “The Shard” a glass-clad structure has now become the tallest building in Western Europe, reaching a total height of 310 meters.

The shadow of The Shard falls over the river Thames and the City of London financial district. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Visitors look out from The Shard viewing platform. 
Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images