Europe's tallest building, The Shard, opened its doors to the public on Friday in London with Mayor Boris Johnson opening the 984 ft (300 meter) skyscraper.
"This is a unique building, it's the only building I can think of that looks like the tip of an intergalactic spear! It's something that I think is going to capture people's imaginations and loads of people are going to want to come up this thing," said Johnson, according to Euronews.
The Shard will be used to house new offices, a five-star hotel, restaurants and luxury apartments. It was designed by architect, Renzo Piano, who was there for the opening of the attraction.
"This building is magic for a number of reasons. First, because it's in London, second, because it's so tall, and third, because this building is a part of London. It's a sense of London," said Piano.
''It's sad when London is sad, it's joyful when London is brilliant and joyful.''
Some 4,800 people paid for admission on Friday - at £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.
On a clear day, visitors will be able to enjoy a 360-degree view of the capital's skyline, from a platform almost twice the height of any other in the city.
Already on its first day of being open, a 22-year-old man from Epping Forest, Essex, proposed to his girlfriend. James Episcopou got down on one knee and the moment was captured by a host of photographers.
"I've had it planned since July last year. When tickets first came out I thought I've got to buy them, it's the perfect place to propose. Laura means everything to me and I wanted to make her feel on top of the world," said Episcopou, according to the New Market Journal.
"We had no idea the media were going to be there, but when we arrived we saw Boris Johnson and there were cameras everywhere."
