‘Fun’ is not a go-to descriptor for an art installation — unless, of course, the art is in the form of a 584-ft-long slide.
The world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide opens Friday in east London, and the new structure is a dream come true for children and the child within everyone (who isn’t afraid of heights). Artist Carsten Höller designed the attraction, which is entwined in and around Anish Kapoor’s ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture.
Unlike most ephemeral slide experiences, ‘The Slide’ takes a full 40 seconds to shoot down. It winds riders around the sculpture 12 times at a speed of up to 15 mph, and includes a section called ‘‘bettfeder” (German for bedspring) along with a straight shot to the ground at the end.
When it opens Friday, visitors can buy tickets to ride the art that cost 10 pounds ($15) for general admission. For non-Londoners, travel to the slide may be slightly more expensive, but they say you can’t put a price on happiness.
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Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com