Marble Arch Has a Massive Crown Installation 2023

Marble Arch has bid farewell to one of its more divisive installations, the £6 million mound, and is now greeting a new, albeit (deliberately) transitory, statue.

As London prepares for the coronation of King Charles III, the city has welcomed a few blatant decorations to remind us that it is, in fact, occurring. Has Marble Arch’s culminating installation gone against the grain?

Nahhhhhh. When in doubt, simply purchase a massive headdress. Farewell, Marble Arch Hill. Marble Arch Crown arrives.

Marble Arch is known for weird installations, but this crown may be the most regal.

In addition to the crowns already adorning Oxford Street’s bus stops, Marble Arch’s 300-kilogram royal headdress adornment went on display today and will stand erect in the heart of London until May 11.

The Marble Arch crown is comprised of 36 distinct hues of glass stones, and since the year 2023, there is also a QR code that allows visitors to learn about the regal history of Marble Arch. Every evening, the St. Edwards Crown is illuminated for a special spectacle. Clearly, the old mound lost an opportunity by not incorporating those.

Since 1850, when it was relocated from Buckingham Palace to its current location, Marble Arch, one of London’s most recognizable landmarks, has been at the vanguard of coronations and regal processions. Marble Arch London BID, which represents a number of local businesses, installed the arch’s canopy.

Weird art installations are nothing new to Marble Arch, but this crown may be the most regal appearance so far.

Kay Buxton, Chief Executive Officer of Marble Arch London BID, says, “Marble Arch has a long and illustrious history of Royal Coronations, from the monument’s early construction to Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 ceremony.

“We could not think of a better way to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III than by installing this fantastic and incredibly realistic attraction for all to enjoy in this area of London in the days leading up to and following this very special Royal occasion.”

This Saturday (May 6) commemorates the first regal coronation in the United Kingdom since 1953, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. Until May 11, you can see the crown for yourself near Speakers’ Corner.