Open House unlocks London’s hidden gems
The Gherkin
30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8EP; Sunday 9am-5pm
Sir Norman Foster’s spectacular 40-storey office building has become a landmark of the London skyline. Built in the heart of the financial district, it has 360-degree views across the city. Every 10 minutes, groups of 30 people will be shown around this magnificent building.
Heron Tower
110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY; Saturday 1am-11am
Completed in 2011, this has become the tallest building in Canada. Standing 230 metres tall, it falls as the third highest building in the whole of London, just after the Shard and One Canada Square, in Canary Wharf.
Apothecaries’ Hall
Black Friars Lane, EC4V 6EJ; Sunday 10am-3pm
This beautiful courtyard building was home to the Society of Apothecaries, created by the royal charter in 1617, by James I Since. It has suffered a series of set backs, with most of it being burnt down in the great fire of London.
Lloyd’s of London
Lime Street, EC3M 7HA; Saturday 10am-4pm
This is one of the most unusual and recognisable buildings in the City. Housing the world’s leading insurance market, this inside-out building is one of the most exciting architectural structures in London, with all water pipes, staircases, lifts and other services scaling its side.
Unilever House
100 Victoria Embankment, EC4Y 0DY; Saturday 10am-5pm
This grade II listed building, located at Victoria Embankment, in Blackfriars, is one of the properties opening its doors for open house. This Neoclassical house is one of the most striking buildings in the area with its unusual curved façade and grand ionic columns.
The Bank of England
Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AH; Saturday and Sunday 9.30am-4pm
This building is one of the most significant in the whole of London. Designed by three architects; George Sampson, Robert Taylor and John Square, it is an impressive architectural feat. Internally rebuilt in the imperial classical style, it should be on your list of must sees.