What is The Shard?
The Shard is a 95-story skyscraper in London, standing about 310 metres tall. Completed in 2012, it is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and has a viewing gallery near the top.
The Shard was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Its glass-clad, pyramid-like shape was inspired by church spires and the masts of sailing ships on the Thames.
It stands near London Bridge station in Southwark and contains offices, restaurants, a hotel and apartments.
The View from The Shard
The View from The Shard, an observation deck on the upper floors, offers views of up to 40 miles on clear days. Visitors can see landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Its glass panels reflect the changing sky, giving the building a different appearance throughout the day.
The Shard was the tallest building in the European Union when it was completed. It has become a symbol of modern London and features in films and television. Some critics originally opposed the design, but it is now widely admired.
Its construction took about three years, and it opened to the public in 2013.