The Monument will be closed from 30th July 2007 until late December 2008
The Monument, one of the City of London’s most outstanding landmarks and visitor attractions, closed on 30th July 2007 for an 18-month programme of improvements and repairs.
Ever year, thousands of visitors climb the 311 spiral steps to The Monument’s observation gallery, to enjoy unique and exhilarating views across the Capital. Sir Christopher Wren’s flame-topped monument to the Great Fire of 1666 is the tallest free-standing stone column in the world. Completed in 1677, The Monument stands 202 ft high and is positioned 202 ft from the spot in Pudding Lane on which the Great Fire is believed to have started, ten years earlier.
Repairs to The Monument have been carried out approximately every hundred years, with work last undertaken in 1888.
Today’s project, funded by the City of London, is the most exciting to date. In addition to cleaning and repairing the stonework, and re-gilding the famous golden orb, the project creates a welcome range of new and improved facilities. These include a new gallery “cage”, new lighting and live views relayed from the gallery to visitors on the ground. New facilities will also enable The Monument to host spectacular firework and laser displays.
The Monument is scheduled to re-open to visitors when work is completed in December 2008. To find out more visit The Monument's website - http://www.themonument.info/
For further enquiries contact +44 (0) 207 626 2717