A Guinness World Records attraction where visitors will be given the chance to make history is to open at the O2 in Greenwich in time for Christmas next year.
The 25,000 sq ft competitive socialising venue on the lower floor of the O2 will give visitors the opportunity to attempt breaking more than 50 official Guinness World Records in six categories. There will also be a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
It will be the UK’s first permanent Guinness World Records themed experience, although there was a museum in the Trocadero in the Eighties until it closed down in 1996 following poor visitor numbers.
The Guinness Book of Records was first published in 1955 and was originally compiled by brother Norris and Ross McWhirter. It now holds 53,000 records in its database. The first Guinness Book of World Records museum opened in the Empire State Building in New York in 1976.
Alistair Wood, executive vice president, real estate and development at the O2’s owner AEG Europe, said: “As the world’s most popular music, entertainment, and leisure destination, we are delighted to be the location of choice for Guinness World Records’ first permanent UK venue.
“The O2 has played a leading role in the emergence of competitive socialising nationally, and this new concept elevates our offer to another level, delivering an iconic, nostalgic, and family-friendly favourite to London.
“We have no doubt that the new venue will be a huge hit with our visitors and look forward to welcoming a new stream of record breakers to The O2 next year.”
Paul O’Neill, vice president, entertainment at Guinness World Records, said: “The O2 is one of the most iconic venues in British culture, making it a perfect home for us. Guinness World Records: London doesn’t just celebrate record breaking, it gives every visitor the unique chance to step up, take part, and potentially become a world record breaker themselves.
“Unlike any other experience in the UK, we’re offering people the thrill of making history and we can't wait to welcome the public next year."
Guinness World Records: London joins Abba themed attraction Mamma Mia! The Party, competitive socialising football venue TOCA Social, gaming experience Activate, bowling lanes Hollywood Bowl, and indoor freefall centre iFly Indoor Skydiving, at the O2.
The announcement of the opening of Guinness World Records: London coincides with Guinness World Records Day when thousands of people around the world try to break records.
Lunson Mitchenall acted on behalf of The O2 in the deal, and Savills acted for Guinness World Records.
