What was the Gherkin built for?
200130 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) / Construction started
Construction began in 2001 and the Gherkin was finished in December of 2003. It didn’t open for the public until almost half of a year later. Today, the Gherkin is primarily an office building. It is the headquarters of many large companies including Swiss Re and some of the offices of Sky News.
Why is the Gherkin so famous?
They are known for their innovative approach to design that stands out particularly well against the more conservative nature of most of London’s buildings. The Gherkin is essentially an elongated, curved, shaft with a rounded end that is reminiscent of a stretched egg.
Can you visit the Gherkin in London?
Can you go inside The Gherkin? The Gherkin isn’t normally open to the public but you can visit Helix restaurant and Iris bar, which are located on the top floors and have amazing panoramic views across the City of London. You can also can step inside the iconic building during special events such as Open House London.
How much did the Gherkin cost?
| 30 St Mary Axe | |
|---|---|
| Construction started | 2001 |
| Completed | 2003 |
| Opened | 28 April 2004 |
| Cost | £138 million (plus land cost of £90.6 million) adjusted for inflation: £233 million (plus land cost of £163 million) |
How many floors does the Gherkin have?
41 floors
The Gherkin is 180 metres (591ft) tall. Towering 41 floors above the City of London, The Gherkin looks magnificent at any time of the day, but it’s particularly dazzling when lit up at night.
How tall is the Gherkin in feet?
590′30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) / Height
What’s inside the Gherkin London?
the space is open for events such as weddings, corporate events or private functions. The gherkin provides 76,400 square metres of modern, luxury office space. each floor has large open plan spaces, with floor to ceiling windows allowing for the maximum amount of natural light.
Who funded the Gherkin?
Safra, who has a $14.9bn (£9.4bn) fortune according to Forbes magazine, bought 30 St Mary’s Axe – better known as the Gherkin – from the receivers. No price was disclosed but the Financial Times said Safra paid £726m(£) for the 180 metre-high Norman Foster-designed tower.
How long did it take to build the Gherkin?
two years
The glass-fronted tower was designed by legendary British architect Sir Norman Foster. It took two years to construct and features a distinctive spiral design. The Gherkin opened in 2004.
Is the Gherkin the tallest building in London?
Also known as 30 St Mary Axe, the Gherkin is a modern skyscraper right in the center of London. It was officially opened to the public in 2004 although construction was completed in December of 2013. It is a tall building but not amongst the tallest in London.
When was the Gherkin building built?
The Gherkin Building Tower Facts. 30 St Mary Axe or commonly known as The Gherkin Building is a commercial complex (also popular for its restaurants) situated in the City of London. The construction of this skyscraper commenced in 2001, which was completed in December 2003.
Where is the Gherkin?
The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) is an office building in the City of London. It’s not open to the public, except during the Open House London event and for restaurant bookings.
How does the Gherkin Tower work?
Each floor in ‘The Gherkin” rotates at an angle of 5 degrees from the one below. The building provides a panaromic view of the City of London. The material used in the construction of the tower is mostly recycled or is recyclable.