One of the iconic features of London is the world-famous St Pauls Cathedral. The £40 Million restoration programme is now complete so now is the perfect time to visit St Pauls and marvel at Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. For the first time in its 300 year history the Cathedral has been comprehensively cleaned and repaired both inside and out with fantastic results. The interior of the soaring dome, the glittering mosaics, the intricate stone carving and the breathtaking view down the nave towards the quire are just a few of the reasons why a visit to St Paul's is a must.
A new exhibition, Oculus, opened at St Paul's Cathedral on 14th July 2010.
Using state-of-the-art projection technology visitors will be immersed in the history and stories and history of this fascinating and iconic London landmark. This is the first project of its kind in a cathedral. The 270° film experience will bring 1400 years of St Pauls history to life. Oculus is located in the former Treasury in the crypt and takes visitors to Saxon London when the original St Pauls was under construction in 604AD. The story continues through the buildings on the site that have fallen to fire and disrepair, before showing visitors the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the devastation of London during the Blitz when St Paul’s became a lasting symbol of strength, survival and hope.
This new experience is a must for visitors of all Countries, generations and religious beliefs - a unique journey through London history and time. Two virtual access films open up areas of the cathedral that visitors with mobility issues might not otherwise reach. The first film flies visitors through the world-famous dome; whisking them up to the Whispering Gallery before enjoying panoramic views across London from the Golden Gallery. The second film will reveal the 4 metre-high projections taking visitors into the interior of Sir Chriostopher wren's model and reveal its beauty in close-up detail.
Oculus will span a timeline of 1400 years of history interspersed with images and dates that float across the screens which will create moments of stillness and reflection.