London landmark Tower Bridge reinvents itself for future visitors
Photo: Tower Bridge under construction, March 24, 1893, left (Credit: London Picture Archive); right, Tower Bridge today (creative commons).
Tower Bridge is much more than an iconic London landmark. The 123-year-old span has maintained its relevance by offering features that keep a visit here fresh, educational and entertaining.
The bridge -- consistently ranked among TripAdvisor’s top 10 things to do in London -- offers a revolving suite of innovative programs in addition to the expected blend of history and education.
New this month are guided tours in British Sign Language on the last Saturday of every month, beginning Feb. 25. Also recently announced is an “artist in residency” program, which will bring artist Alex Evans to the span’s south tower to create a series of exhibitions and workshops inspired by the bridge throughout the year.
Crossing the bridge is free from the street, but the best photos (and biggest thrill) come via a glass walkway, which opened in 2014. But this view wasn’t always open to the public. Although designed to allow pedestrians to cross the bridge from above -- even when the bridge is raised to allow ships to pass through -- access to the upper walkways closed in 1910 due to lack of use. It reopened in 1982 with the Tower Bridge Experience exhibit (adults, from £9.00 or cheaper online).
Tower Bridge is also preparing for the future and leaving a legacy for the next generation of visitors. This month, organizers collected people’s “personal connection to the capital” for a time capsule to be buried this spring and unearthed in 40 years. Submissions close Feb. 21.
