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Lloyd's building

Discover the Lloyd's building, a landmark that turned architecture inside out. Look up from the street to trace its exposed pipes, staircases and lift shafts against the City's historic skyline.

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Reasons to go

Designed by Richard Rogers and completed in 1986, with all pipes, staircases and lift shafts placed on the exterior
It has housed the Lloyd's of London insurance market continuously since opening
The inside-out design was meant to keep interior floors open and flexible, a hallmark of high-tech architecture

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Full description

Completed in 1986, the Lloyd's building put its service ducts, staircases and lift shafts on the exterior in a bold high-tech design by Richard Rogers, intended to maximise flexible open floor space inside for the Lloyd's of London insurance market that still operates there. It stands as one of the City's boldest architectural statements, a striking contrast to the historic buildings surrounding it, though as a working office building it's viewed from the street rather than toured.

Its high hidden-gem score in the data fits its status as a spot more appreciated by architecture enthusiasts than casual sightseers.

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Address

Lloyd's building, One Lime St, London EC3M 7HA, UK · Monument

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

15 min

Best time

morning, afternoon or evening

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

View it from Leadenhall Market or Lime Street for the best angle on its exposed piping and glass lifts
combine it with a walk past the neighbouring Gherkin, since both sit within a couple of minutes of each other
go on a weekday, when the surrounding financial district is at its liveliest.

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