London's Olympic Orbit Tower Gets Decked in Light

Lights to be used in a 15-minute nightly light show

Watch out, Eiffel Tower. Lights are coming to London's Orbit.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 375-foot ruby red tower in the center of Olympic Park, will be decked out in 250 color spotlights that will make it a "beacon of east London," London's Legacy Development Corporation said in a statement.

The corporation has responsibility for the park after the end of the Olympics, which take place from July 27-Aug. 12. The corporation has secured planning permission to light the tower from dusk until midnight.

The lights wound through the tower will be used in a 15-minute nightly light show. The effects are being tested over the next two weeks.

The tower is designed by London-based artist Anish Kapoor, a previous winner of the prestigious Turner Prize, and his design partner Cecil Balmond.

"The feature lighting opens a completely new artistic aspect to the work of Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond," Andrew Altman, the chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said in a statement. "It will create a vivid landmark with dynamic effects that we can use in tandem with different events."

The Orbit, which vaguely resembles a squashed roller coaster, will reopen in 2014 and be able to accommodate up to 5,000 visitors a day. London officials hope it will become a major tourist attraction.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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