Illustration of The Tulip and skyline of London

The Tulip is a new public cultural and tourist attraction for London, combining both heritage and modernity. Planned to be built next to The Gherkin, it enhances one of the capital’s most cherished icons.

Project

The Tulip is a showcase for London’s world-leading expertise in architecture, culture, education and business. This unique visitor attraction will deliver economic benefits to the City, Greater London and beyond. The Tulip offers a free state-of-the-art education facility for London’s state schoolchildren, and provides a memorable and informative experience for tourists about London’s history and dynamism. The public realm at ground level will be increased and enhanced with green spaces in line with the City’s and the Mayor’s goals for better public spaces.

Status

Planning application for The Tulip was submitted to the City of London Corporation on 13 November 2018 on behalf of the J. Safra Group and the world leading architects, Foster + Partners, owners and architects respectively of The Gherkin. Prior to this submission, members of the consultant team engaged with the appropriate authorities and key stakeholders and will continue to do so during the official planning consultation period. The information contained on this website is designed to highlight key aspects of the proposed development. All details and specifications are subject to the planning review process with the City of London Corporation.

The Tulip

Illustration of The Tulip and City of London

“Continuing the pioneering design of 30 St Mary Axe, the Tulip is in the spirit of London as a progressive, forward-thinking city. It offers significant benefits to Londoners and visitors as a cultural and social landmark with unmatched educational resources for future generations.” Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners

“We are delighted to benefit from the exceptional talent of Foster + Partners in bringing to London this world-class visitor attraction. The Tulip’s elegance and soft strength complements the iconic Gherkin. We are confident in London’s role as a global city and are proud to offer its schoolchildren a state-of-the-art classroom in the sky to appreciate London’s history and dynamism.” Jacob J. Safra

Bird’s Eye Illustration of The Tulip and The Gherkin

A unique public attraction in London’s Square Mile

Combining high-tech with heritage, The Tulip will grow in the heart of the old City of London. It is planned to be built on land next to 20 Bury Street, London, EC3A 5AX, adjacent to 30 St Mary Axe – also known as The Gherkin.

Illustration of The Tulip’s Atrium and Skybridge

Classroom in the sky

A key feature will be the education facility within the top of The Tulip, offering 20,000 free places per year for London’s state school children aged 5-16. This educational resource, provided by the J. Safra Group, will deliver national curriculum topics using innovative tools to bring to life the city’s history and dynamism, inspiring the creative young minds of tomorrow.

Illustration of The Tulip’s Education Facility

Wonder at London’s panorama

From a height of about 300 metres, visitors will enjoy stunning panoramic views across Greater London. Gondola pod rides will transport you outside in an exhilarating loop around The Tulip’s glass petals. Inside the 12 floors at the top, visitors can stroll across the Sky Bridge and enjoy the thrill of sliding between floors. Curated viewing spaces with interactive material, plus talks from expert guides, will bring the history of London alive.

A range of dining and hospitality options will be offered.

The Tulip will also be an outstanding venue to host cultural, educational, business and technology events. In summary, it will enhance the City’s Culture Mile as a tourist destination, and deliver significant economic and social benefits to London.

Illustration of The Tulip’s Gondola Rides

Press Release

On 13 November 2018, a planning application for The Tulip was filed with the City of London on behalf of the J. Safra Group and the world leading architects, Foster + Partners, owners and architects respectively of The Gherkin.

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Press Release PDF

Fact Sheet

Please download useful information about The Tulip’s dimensions, design, facilities and sustainability features

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Fact Sheet PDF

Media Enquiries

For all media enquiries please contact us at: media@thetulip.com