What is the red structure next to the Olympic stadium?

Answer 1

It is called the Orbit. Standing 115 metres high, the Orbit is the tallest art structure in Britain - offering stunning views over the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Park and the whole of London.

As well as promising a unique moment and experience for visitors, the spiralling red structure successfully represented both London and the UK, and was reflective of the five Olympic rings.

The Orbit is more than a work of art - it's an entire experience. After going through the small, intimate entrance to the Orbit, visitors make their way into a glass elevator, which takes just 30 seconds to pass through the Orbit's twisting form and reach the viewing platform 85 metres high.

Once they've reached the platform, visitors can step outside the lift and experience the Olympic Park in a whole new light - as well as enjoying stunning views of London's cityscape.

It's also possible to look straight down the centre of the Orbit to the ground below - though this isn't recommended for the fainthearted!

To conclude the experience, visitors are encouraged to stroll down the spiral staircase that twists through the Orbit, enjoying even more amazing sights.

The Orbit experience lasts a total of 20 minutes.

After the Games, the Orbit will close and re-open in late 2013, when it will give even more visitors the opportunity to experience it.