When a £2million project from a world-renowned architect for London's Marble Arch was announced in February, excitement for the 'new perspective on the future' was high.
But today as Dutch designer MVRDV's vision was finally seen by visitors, the only real heights were the £6.50 entrance fee and scale of crushing disappointment.
The Marble Arch Mound was roundly ridiculed today as tourists likened it to a level from Nintendo game Super Mario 64, the Teletubbies' home, or worse still 'seven minutes of work on Minecraft'.
While the designs for the artificial hill had shown a magical space of lush greenery and stunning views, the reality provided very little.
Design versus reality: The plans for the hill on the left compared to how it has been built
What a view! Marketing expert Dan Barker posted this obscured vision from the mount tip
The Marble March Mound as it was taking shape next to the famous landmark it now looms
Two twitter users likened it to a Mario computer game and the home of the Teletubbies
Neighbouring Hyde Park is almost entirely obscured by trees, making it difficult to spot anything on the grasses.
Then to the right a wasteground being developed boast a number of shipping containers and rubble.
The walk-up to the attraction is little better, with a parade of dumper bins lining one corner of the manmade structure.
Its big reveal prompted a barrage of criticism from the public over its cost and execution.
Slight Return left no doubt of their opinion on the Marble Arch Mound with this meme
Social media was flooded with disdain for the £2million project and its appearance
Designed to be a grand celebration of British victories in the Napoleonic Wars, Marble Arch was designed by John Nash – the architect to King George IV – in 1827.
It was intended to be the state entrance to Buckingham Palace and initially stood near where there the central part of the building – complete with the famous balcony – is today.
Whilst most of its grand panels and statues had been completed by 1830, the death that year of the King led to the sacking of Nash by the Duke of Wellington - the then Prime Minister – for overspending.
Designed to be a grand celebration of British victories in the Napoleonic Wars, Marble Arch was designed by John Nash – the architect to King George IV – in 1827. It was intended to be the state entrance to Buckingham Palace and initially stood near where there the central part of the building – complete with the famous balcony – is today
