Anish Kapoor

Anish Kapoor has unveiled Londons latest landmark: a 115m-high piece of public art destined for the Olympic Park.

The design of the £19 million piece was unveiled today. It is named the ArcelorMittal Orbit in honour of its sponsor, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who is Britain's wealthiest man.

The sculpture will be the tallest artwork in the UK, and consists of a continuous looping lattice of tubular steel. Visitors will be able to climb to a viewing platform to take in panoramic views of east London.

Mittal has agreed to pay up to £16 million towards the scheme, with the London Development Agency coming up with £3.1 million.

The plan is for the piece to remain in the park permanently.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Long after the games are over our aim is to have a stunning spectacle in east London that will be recognised around the world. It will be an internationally acclaimed family attraction."

The sculpture will stand in the southern part of the Olympic Park between the Stadium and Aquatics Centre and will open in time for the 2012 Games.

Anyone as brilliant as Anish Kapoor is controversial for sure. Some people will like the design, some will not like it and some will embrace it with awe. I am the latter, I am so, so enthralled with this design! The British Pound to US Dollar conversion for this sculpture project is 31 million dollars. Just can't wait to go and see "Orbit" when it is complete - sculpture makes such an exciting travel destination!

Read more: http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=426&storycode=3161116&channel=783&c=1#ixzz0jnvrlbJ7

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8597497.stm