Giant Rugby Ball showcases New Zealand by Tower Bridge
Go inside the Giant Rugby Ball by Tower Bridge to see the free exhibition about New Zealand
One of the world's most iconic landmarks is set to have some unusual company in November, with exhibition open to the public from November 26 to December 1, when London's Tower Bridge will be joined by the world's largest rugby ball.
To promote New Zealand hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2011 this huge rugby ball will take up residence between City Hall and London's most famous bridge. It will measure 25 metres long, 17 metres wide and 12 metres high and can hold up to 220 people.
The Ball is a temporary venue open to the public that will use the latest in audio-visual technology to take visitors on a journey through New Zealand. This virtual voyage will showcase the country's tourist offering - incredible natural history and rich cultural heritage to contemporary New Zealand culture.
On November 25th Mayor of London Boris Johnson will take part in a traditional Maori ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the Ball. It will be open to the public from November 26th until December 2nd, playing host to the IRB pool allocation draw for the 2011 Rugby World Cup on December 1st. It will also play host to a series of public and private events celebrating New Zealand and its hosting of RWC 2011.
There is also a Manaia Haka workshop at 10.30am on Sunday 30 November. To take part please RSVP via email. Places will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Sign up will be available at the venue during the week and on the day.
The Giant Rugby Ball in Potters Fields Park is open for free to the public on 26, 27, 28 November - 11am-5pm, 30 November - 11am-5pm and 2 December - 11am-3pm.
How to get there
Train: London Bridge
Tube: Tower Hill (Circle Line), then London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern Lines)
Bus: 15, 25, 42, 78, 100, D1
Riverboat: From Charing Cross, Westminster or Greenwich to Tower Pier.
