€2.3M Dutch-designed attraction in London closes just days after opening

A new London attraction, designed by Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, has temporarily closed shortly after opening, after receiving much criticism from the visitors.

March Arch Hill promised panoramic views over London’s Oxford Street and Hyde Park — but since its opening on July 26, visitors have relegated it to a ‘mound of dirt’.

Bringing life back to Oxford street

The 25-metre-tall temporary attraction was supposed to bring life back to Europe’s busiest shopping street, which was hit hard by the number of lockdowns. 

The vision of MVRDV was that the hill would “redefine the connection between Oxford Street and Hyde Park” and create an opportunity for residents to experience nature in the city centre.

Disappointment

However, so far it’s brought nothing but disappointment. Visitors felt that the attraction looked like a construction site, looked unfinished, and was nothing like the original designs, reports the NOS.

People who have already booked their £4.50 ticket (Є5.30 — a bit of a rip-off if you ask us considering it’s a short walk up a hill) for the first week of opening will be offered a replacement ticket free of charge, states the Westminster City Council.

“We are aware that elements of the Marble Arch Mound are not yet ready for visitors. We are working hard to resolve this over the next few days,” the council wrote in a statement. 

Needs time

The architectural firm MVRDV, which is known for Rotterdam’s famous Markthal, as well as the newly built Depot of Museums Boijmans van Beuningen, has been defending the project. 

According to a spokesperson, the attraction was opened too soon. “It’s always unpredictable when you work with plants and trees. We need to give nature some time,” they said.

Have you heard of this attraction? Do you think it was worth the investment? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Dan Barker/Twitter

Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿
Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿
Originally from the Czech Republic, Jana moved to the Netherlands for her studies. Seven years in the flattest country in Europe has brought her a Masters in Environmental Management, experience in content creation, projects, partnership coordination, and about 20 ideas on how to deal with Dutch winter blues (most of which didn’t work). Her love for the local cycling culture is undying — but she finally knows better than to hop on a bike in a typical Dutch downpour.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

VPNs in the Netherlands: The ultimate 2025 guide

The Netherlands’ fastest and most reliable VPNs enable you to protect your privacy online, access region-locked content, and securely browse the net. 🤳 Whether you’re...

7 ways Dutchies and Italians are more alike than you think

At first glance, Italians and the Dutch seem worlds apart, shaped by different histories, climates, and habits, but what’s less often explored is what...

Amsterdam officials tell people to avoid the city centre on King’s Day

Amsterdam’s got one royal request this King’s Day: keep the party local and don’t crush the canals. The city council is waving the orange flag...

It's happening