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Must-See Art Installations in London

July 26, 2021 by Jenni 10 Comments

Art installations vary wildly, but the mark of a great artistic centrepiece is its ability transform the space it’s in. 

Not only can these pieces be remarkably beautiful, they’re often also extraordinary works of engineering, and frequently free to visit!

London is home to some of the world’s most exceptional artwork, but you won’t find all of it in galleries! I’ve compiled a list of installations for you to check out next time you venture into the city.  

Traffic Light Tree – Pierre Vivant 

Located in Poplar, this 26ft installation is made up of 75 sets of traffic lights, shaped to look like a tree. 

The installation originally confused some motorists when it first appeared on a Limehouse roundabout, but it soon became a popular attraction, even being voted Britain’s best roundabout. 

The Traffic Light Tree has since been moved to a new home near Billingsgate Market and is an excellent one to go and visit in an evening! 

Bleigiessen – Thomas Heatherwick

Perhaps best known for his (now tragically removed due to potential safety hazards) B of the Bang in Manchester, or his superb Vessel staircase structure New York City, in 2002 Thomas Heatherwick crafted Bleigiessen for Wellcome Trust. 

This stunning invention is made up of 142,000 glass spheres and suspended in the atrium of the Trust’s HQ by more than 20,000 steel wires provided by Ormiston Wire. 

Check out this magnificent installation the next time you’re in Euston! 

A Bullet from a Shooting Star – Alex Chinneck

This upside-down electricity pylon in Greenwich is made from 466 pieces of steel and weights 15 tonne. A remarkable work of engineering, Chinneck’s sculpture evokes the industrial history of its location. 

Another one that makes excellent viewing at night, as when illuminated it’s a masterpiece of lattice light! 

ArcelorMittal Orbit – Anish Kapoor

This famous observation tower in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a must visit. 

Constructed as a legacy of 2012 Olympic Games, the observation decks provide excellent views of the Olympic Park. 

Artist, Anish Kapoor, has stated that he wanted to build the impossible and was inspired by the Tower of Babel. 

Orbit is of course an impressive structure in its own right, but we think it was only improved by the useable slide that was added by German artist Carsten Höller! 

Walala Parade – Camille Walala

Completed in the summer of 2020, the Walala Parade is the newest of the five locations on our list. Funded by the public, who voted on the final design, Camille Walalahas transformed the dreary Leyton High Road into an array of spectacular colour. 

Turning what were once greying shop facades with her signature bright colours and geometric shapes, Walalahas said that she sought to make art accessible to the community that it serves. 

Make use of one of these sunny afternoons we’ve been having and take a stroll along this remarkable street! 

What are your favourite London artworks? Let me know in the comments below!

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Filed Under: Travel & Days Out, UK

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Comments

  1. Heather says

    July 27, 2021 at 2:55 am

    I’ve always wanted to go to London! I would love to see all of the art there!

  2. Melanie Varey says

    July 27, 2021 at 8:34 am

    I love visiting art installations and have t been to London for so long so this was a n interesting read for me. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Melissa Dixon says

    July 27, 2021 at 3:17 pm

    I would love to visit and see this in person someday. I love art!

  4. MELANIE EDJOURIAN says

    July 27, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    I haven’t been out much but plan to explore London more when I can. These sound like great art installations to go and find on my adventures.

  5. Wren LaPorte says

    July 27, 2021 at 4:03 pm

    I had no idea there were so many! I would love to go and see these!

  6. Just Juan says

    July 27, 2021 at 5:04 pm

    I would absolutely love to see that traffic light tree. I love conceptual art and this seems interesting. When I make my way back to London for a visit next year, I’ll be sure to check it out.

  7. Catherine says

    July 27, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    It always so much fun to see the art exhibits no matter where you are! It’s great that we’re able to finally go back out and visit. I hope someday to travel to London and experience it myself.

  8. Yeah Lifestyle says

    July 27, 2021 at 10:08 pm

    We are planning a trip to London and would love to see all these fantastic installations

  9. Jupiter Hadley says

    July 28, 2021 at 5:01 pm

    I have actually been to the ArcelorMittal Orbit – it’s such a cool structure! I really love exploring London.

  10. Everything Enchanting says

    July 30, 2021 at 1:01 am

    Wow, I had no idea about these! I would love to see these art installations, sounds great Thanks for sharing

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Hi, I’m Jenni, Mummy to Lucas who was born in 2015 and Morgana, born in 2021. I’m a virtual assistant living in the Dordogne, France since moving from Lancashire, UK in September 2019 Read more about us

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