Incorporating up to 14 bridges, from Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge, once complete the llluminated River will be the longest public art commission in the world at 2.3 miles in length, along 4.5 nautical miles of the River Thames. Each bridge will have a specially designed sequence personally created by the artist and all together will shine a subtle and beautiful light on the Thames and London for many years to come.
American light artist Leo Villareal and London architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands impressed the jury of the competition with their exciting kinetic artwork as well as their respect for the natural environment, local inhabitants and the architectural character and history of the bridges.
Millennium Bridge
Southwark Bridge
Cannon Street Railway Bridge
London Bridge
Tower Bridge
City Guides are proud to walk and talk about this dynamic project in the City enhanced with ‘light and code’ to create a monumental kinetic sculpture. We look at the bridges history, ancient and modern, construction how and when, impact on the City as well as to engage you with the considerable collaboration that has taken place to bring this re-focus on the Thames which will open a wider discussion on lighting strategy for the bridges and the River as a whole. An exciting journey from an idea to reality and the engagement of many communities, boroughs, associations, and the public to create a piece of art that can be enjoyed by everyone.
“Leo Villareal's work is focused on stripping systems down to their essence to better understand the underlying structures and rules that govern how they work. He is interested in lowest common denominators such as pixels or the zeros and ones in binary code.” © Leo Villareal Artist’s Statement
Our Guides will be wearing masks and are Risk Assessed. Also are aware of Government Guidelines in regard to tourism and guiding.
Booking is essential https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/illuminated-river-walk-by-city-of-london-guides-tickets-121964205221
We are so pleased to be able to offer this popular evening walk again with very small groups (six people) to explore the amazing artwork that is the Illuminated River Project. The ultimate aim is for artist Leo Villareal to illuminate 14 of the bridges across the Thames. The first five are completed and are all in the City - come and see them and find out more with us on Tuesdays. Booking essential https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/illuminated-river-walk-by-city-of-london-guides-tickets-121964205221
We are delighted to announce the return of our daily guided walks in the heart of the City of London! One every day of the week at 11.00 am. All places must be booked in advance to ensure we maintain small group sizes which can be socially distanced. We are really excited to be able to take you around the extraordinary Square Mile once more. Full details when you click on the photos below.
Come on in to the City! We are excited to be working with the City Corporation on this programme of walks until October 30th. Following a carefully planned route in small groups using social distancing and technology to give you the best experience, there is one walk each day from a borough that borders the City: Westminster (Saturdays), Lambeth (Sundays), Camden (Mondays), Islington (Tuesdays), Southwark (Wednesdays), Tower Hamlets (Thursdays), Hackney (Fridays). Thanks to support from the City of London Corporation, all are free. If you live locally, or even if you don't, this is the perfect time to explore and discover what has happened and who has walked these streets in years gone by. The streets are very quiet so you have the chance to stop and stare without pressure. Find out more and reserve your place by clicking on the photos below.
We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Temple Bar Trust. You are invited to join us for series of live-broadcast, virtual walks around the City. The series includes the fascinating history of Temple Bar, Paternoster Square, St Pauls, the life, and work of Sir Christopher Wren and some of the wonderful but often overlooked statues and sculptures nearby. Find out more and book here: https://templebartrust.org/walks
Note: We try to make our walks as inclusive and accessible as possible.
If you want a walk or lecture for a group of people, then please use our Find a Guide section.
60mins
£11.37
£9.21
