The Shard Facts For Kids
The Shard is a very tall glass building in London where people can stay, eat, work, and ride to the top to see the city.
About this topic
The Shard was designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect who liked the idea of a slim, pointed tower. At full size it reaches more than 300 metres into the sky, which makes it the tallest building in the United Kingdom.
Quick Facts
Key Points
Photos of The Shard
The Shard of Glass - a 1000ft, 72-storey skyscraper under construction at London Bridge, Southwark. February 2010.
The Shard London Bridge in late September 2010, as seen from the south bank end of London Bridge.
Internal structure of the Shard's spire and radiator floors, seen from the 72nd-floor observatory
The Southwark Towers office block, which was demolished in 2008 to make space for The Shard
The Shard — photo 5
The Shard — photo 7
📘 Architecture And Layout
Above the occupied floors the tower narrows into a point called the Spire, which rises up around glass panes. At ground level there are separate doors and lobbies for the hotel, restaurants, and the public entrance to the observatory so people can find the right place easily.
🔎 Construction
Five large cranes helped lift materials during the build. Four of these cranes were designed to climb up the building as it grew taller. A small, friendly story from the site is that a fox named Romeo made a home nearby during construction and became well known to workers.
🧭 Height And Milestones
Buildings change as new ones are built, so The Shard held some important records for a few years. In late 2011 it became the tallest building in the European Union, and by March 2012 it was the tallest completed building in Europe. Later, taller towers were built elsewhere, but The Shard remains one of London's most famous and tallest landmarks.
💡 What's Inside The Shard
Because the building is used for different purposes—work, homes, and a hotel—each part has its own entrances and areas. This mix of offices, rooms, and homes helps the building feel like a small vertical neighborhood high above the city.
🌟 Places To Eat, Stay, And Visit
For the public, the most famous spot is The View from The Shard, the UK’s highest viewing gallery. People can buy tickets to go up in lifts and see wide views of London. Restaurants and the viewing gallery usually take bookings, while most offices and the private apartments are not open to general visitors.
🧠 Take the Quiz about The Shard
Frequently asked questions
Who designed The Shard?
The Shard was designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect who liked the idea of a slim, pointed tower.
How tall is The Shard at its tallest point?
At its tallest point, The Shard reaches about 309.6 metres (1,016 feet) into the sky, making it one of the tallest buildings in the United Kingdom.
What is on the top floors of The Shard?
On the top floors there is a viewing gallery and an open-air deck on the 72nd floor, and above the occupied floors the tower ends in a Spire.
What kinds of spaces are inside The Shard?
Inside The Shard you can find offices on many floors, a five-star Shangri‑La The Shard hotel, and ten private apartments.
When did construction start and when was The Shard finished?
Construction began in March 2009, the building topped out on 30 March 2012, and it was officially opened a few months later, with practical completion in November 2012.
What fun animal story is mentioned from the construction site?
A fox named Romeo made a home nearby during construction and became well known to workers.