In Pictures: The ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide

Carsten Höller isn’t new to slides, you many have seen his installation in the turbine hall in 2007 or more recently outside the Hayward Gallery for his Decision exhibition.

Working with Anish Kapoor, who designed the original tower, he created the slide in the Queen Elizabeth Park which opened on Friday 24 June.

“A slide is somewhere between delight and madness.”

– Carsten Höller

Some Slide Facts

• Higher than the Statue of Liberty, the tower is the tallest statue in the world.
• There are 455 steps up to the observation platform. (Don’t worry, there’s also a lift!)
• 35,000 bolts hold the ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower in place. Comforting.
• And just so you know… it’s licensed for marriages.

The View

Before you go up to slide down, definitely take in the view first. Luckily I was there on a clear day where you get a 360º view and can see for around 20 miles!
As you can’t take cameras or phones down the slide, you then have to go back down and put your camera in a locker.

The Slide

Once you’re up there I’m not gonna lie, its pretty scary. There’s no escaping the view below…

Here I am in front of one of Anish Kapoor’s huge mirrors in the queue room, feeling pretty nervous!

So all that’s left is to face the start…

And then you’re off!

It was honestly great, so fast and there are glimpses of London’s skyline as you zoom under the clear windows. It’s all over in 30 seconds and then you emerge (slightly dizzy) at the bottom!

Things to bear in mind

• You can’t take phones or cameras (including go pros) down the slide with you.
• There are lockers at the botttom
• You have to put on some seriously flattering elbow pads, knee pads and wrestling helmet, possibly not a great first date choice!
• Tickets cost £15 online in advance and £17 on the door, but if you live in an Olympic borough you can get a £4 discount!
• Find out more about visiting here.