Built to celebrate the Millennium and known as the Dome it was built to house a huge exhibition. The exhibition lasted for one year and more than 6 million people visited during 2000.
The structure is 365metres in diameter and 1km in circumference. After the exhibition closed on 31st Dec 2000 it became a bit of a white elephant with the press having a field day criticising the government for their lack of planning and overspending. It wasn't until O2 bought it in 2005 and converted it into a music arena with restaurants, cinemas etc did it begin to be a success. It opened to the public in 2007 and has become one of the biggest concert arenas in the UK.
You can climb the Dome which seems quite a popular activity.
This is what the supports look like from the inside of the arena.
This photo gives you some idea of the size of the Dome
Security is always high on the agenda. This is a sniffer dog. Some are trained to sniff out explosives whilst others can detect drugs.
There are twelve supporting struts,one for each month of the year, or hour on a clock face, or one of the twelve constellations. As the Dome is built on the Greenwich Peninsular the reference to time was very important. The 100m yellow supports are to remind us of great arms outstretched in celebration. The roof is made of white Teflon coated glass fibre. The Dome has become one of the UK's more modern landmarks.
You can climb the Dome which seems quite a popular activity.
Security is always high on the agenda. This is a sniffer dog. Some are trained to sniff out explosives whilst others can detect drugs.
That's a fascinating dome.
ReplyDeleteIt's really a huge dome and definitely worth visiting.
ReplyDeleteI'm still pondering the outreached arms bit. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this structure before. It reminds me of a space ship!
ReplyDeleteWow, quite big - it must be neat to be inside and look up at the ceiling. Can imagine that some people like to "conquer" it by climbing:) Guess the acoustics must be good too?
ReplyDeletesuch an interesting place. Would love to explore it :)
ReplyDeleteFascinating post and wonderful shots of the dome for OWT ~ Happy Week to you ~ xoxo
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A CreativeHarbor)
What a cool building! Glad to see it's being used for other activities.
ReplyDeleteAn awesome building it is and it's great that it's still be used!! Great captures/post for the day!! Hope you have a wonderful week!!
ReplyDeleteLondon has such a variety of architectural styles. What will they think of next! Wonderful it has found its place and is well used.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know it's no longer a white elephant and can be used properly. What a huge number of interesting places there are in London. You are giving me quite an education. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, it would be awful if it sat empty.. The concerts, stores and restaurants always attract crowds. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a structure. I'm glad that it has been repurposed.
ReplyDeleteVery neat! That thing is huge and very impressive inside.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of an amazing place and space. I'm glad someone realized how great the space could be.
ReplyDeleteWe should have quite a good view of O2 from the chairlift, weather permitting.
ReplyDeleteWell utilized. Your pics give a good idea about the place.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots - it really is so big! I must visit it on my next trip home.
ReplyDeleteDearest Fun60;
ReplyDeleteWow; great Dome☆☆☆ Must be FUN to climb up♡♡♡ I'm amazed with the sniffer dog; I only knew that they work at the airport p;) Have a happy coming Easter.
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
A very impressive buiding and the first time I have seen pictures of anything but the exterior. You take very good photographs at all times.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the 6million when it first opened, mind yo I was not that impressed with the exhibitions then bu twe had a good time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour.
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing construction! I am glad to see that they have been able to convert it for other uses. Have a wonderful week and thank you for stopping by my blog today.
ReplyDeleteNice to see the inside of the building, I only saw the outside from a distance. It is a special building and I am glad it has a good destination now.
ReplyDeleteIts a distinctive looking building. Reminds me a circus tent.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Again another place to visit, I have never been there !
ReplyDeleteVery impressive!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this building will have an interesting history over the years.. good post
ReplyDeleteA huge and giant structure. Very impressive indeed.
ReplyDeleteQuiet amazing structure.
ReplyDeleteInteresting bit of trivia. Your photos are just great!
ReplyDeleteThat sure is different! Glad to have seen it!
ReplyDelete