Futuristic Globe In London To Wrap What Could Be Largest LED Screen In The World

The next time you visit London, you could be greeted by a large orb emerging from the ground. It isn’t anything extraterrestrial, but rather, the MSG Sphere London that’s just been green-lighted as the capital’s brand-new music and entertainment hub.

Despite objections from the operators of The O2 arena, Madison Square Garden’s MSG Entertainment and stadium expert Populous could soon be breaking ground on the new project, which will be located on a 4.7-acre site in Stratford. 

According to New Atlas, the building will be rather similar to Las Vegas’ MSG Sphere, with a staggering height of 295 feet and a diameter of 393 feet. 

Not only will it be nearly as tall as the Big Ben, the sphere’s interior—which seats 17,500—boasts what the designers claim will be the world’s largest and highest resolution LED screen.

The current record, as per Guinness World Records, is held by an LED display at The Place in Beijing, China, that measures 820 feet by 98 feet with a total surface area of 80,729 square feet.

It’s likely the impressive display will be used to provide an immersive experience inside the MSG Sphere, paired with an “adaptive acoustics system that delivers crystal-clear audio to every guest” and a haptic system that allows the audience to “feel” the experience. 

In addition to the main venue, there will be publicly-accessible outdoor spaces, such as a nature play space for children and an outdoor gym, a range of indoor cafés and restaurants, and even a music club/nightclub. 

As per NME, MSG Sphere has received the approval of planning authorities at the London Legacy Development Corporation, but still has to wait for the go-ahead from London Mayor Sadiq Khan before construction can officially start. 

[via New Atlas, NME, and MSG Sphere London, images via MSG Sphere London]