London City Hall, City of London

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London City Hall

 

Known as the headquarters of the Greater London Authority, the London City Hall serves as the office for the Mayor of London and London Assembly. This structure, which is known for its unusual bulbous shape, is designed by Norman Foster. It is located in Southwark near the Tower Bridge and was opened in July 2002.

London City Hall’s interesting design has been compared to even more interesting objects like a motorcycle helmet, a deformed egg, a human scrotum and Darth Vader’s helmet. Officials also nicknamed the building with funny names such as former mayor Ken Livingstone referring to it as a “glass testicle” and Boris Johnson call it “The Onion.” The building’s electricity is sourced by solar panels.

The location of the City Hall is leased under a 25-year rent and it formerly occupied the Pool of London. It is beside The Scoop, a sunken amphitheatre often used for open-air performances during summer.

Another architectural haven in the City Hall is the New York's Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum-inspired 500-meter helical walkway that soar the full height of the building and provides views of the building’s interior. Atop the City Hall is the “London’s Living Room” that serves as exhibition and meeting space. It is open to the public from Monday to Friday.