The Fourth Plinth image

The Fourth Plinth

Tourist attraction

Large 1841 stone platform, site of commissioned contemporary artworks that change annually. People often mention Plinth, plinth, Fourth, Trafalgar, Square, cream,


Address

Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5NJ, United Kingdom

Website

www.london.gov.uk

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (84 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Plinth (10) plinth (9) Fourth (8) Trafalgar (6) Square (6) cream (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nathan J. 1 year ago on Google
    What we set on the Plinth reflects our aspirations, our priorities, our instructions to those who come after us. So when we visited Trafalgar Square last week to behold a giant ready-to-melt soft serve ice cream upon which rested a cherry, a giant house fly, and a quad drone livecasting its camera inputs to the internet, I was satisfied. This, I thought, is perfect. Western Civilization is safe for another generation.
    17 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Koen 1 year ago on Google
    Originally intended to hold the equestrian statue of William IV, the Fourth Plinth of Trafalgar Square remained empty for 158 years. During all those years, the fate of this pedestal was debated, until finally the decision was made that there should be a rolling program of temporary artworks. And so it happened....
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 na p. 2 years ago on Google
    I love huge displays so made an effort to visit The Fourth Plinth by Heather Phillipson. It is a cool oversized softserve or cream with a cherry on top. On the side is this realistic fly and a drone which captures and steams live. It was difficult finding the link for streaming but managed to find it in the end after I had left!
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 D. I. 1 year ago on Google
    Located in Trafalgar Square, the Fourth Plinth was built in 1841 and was meant to hold a statue of William IV but, due to insufficient funds, remained empty. Over 150 years later, the Fourth Plinth now hosts a series of commissioned artworks by world class artists and is the most talked about contemporary art prize in the UK. On the plinth: 'Really Good' The Plinth in 2016 held David Shrigley's 'Really Good'. A giant hand in a thumbs-up gesture - with a really long thumb at that - must mean that something, somewhere, is really good. But what is that something and where is it? Is it Trafalgar Square? Or all of London? Or maybe the artwork itself? And if itโ€™s so good, why is that? Who says so? And will we agree?
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Adrian M. 4 years ago on Google
    The fourth plinth is such a great idea: commissioned artworks to fill an otherwise empty space. So not another general or war hero but a comment on 21st century life including this year's piece: a magnificent winged bull from Nineveh made from Iraqi date syrup cans.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Chris (. 2 years ago on Google
    The Fourth Plinth is a great addition to Trafalgar Square that changes yearly. Itโ€™s currently whipped cream with a cherry, a drone that has a live webcam feed! Oh and thereโ€™s a fly too!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jakub J. 8 months ago on Google
    A beautiful place to start your journey at. Great experience and a plymth that always represents something else.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jen S. 11 months ago on Google
    I was hoping the whipped cream with a cherry on top is still there, but this was the current art installation.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Johna W. 1 year ago on Google
    such a beautiful square with places to relax and people-watch, and a monument which many kids were climbing on and enjoying.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tee T. 2 years ago on Google
    The fourth plinth showcases various sculptures and live art over time.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Charmaine A. 3 years ago on Google
    The Fourth Plinth is a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their art to the public. Ever changing, maybe not always for everyoneโ€™s taste but an interesting experience regardless!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 dave p. 2 years ago on Google
    Funds ran out when it came to putting a permanent sculpture on the fourth plinth so every couple of years or so, a piece of artwork is commissioned by a panel led by the Lord Mayor. A great idea with some very controversial choices.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 zazaRKO 1 year ago on Google
    Very unique. Definitely catched my eyes as soon as I walked to the square.

  • 5/5 Greg 2 years ago on Google
    What was the artist thinking?

  • 5/5 some g. 1 year ago on Google
    ๐Ÿค” At least this statue is a little creative. lol

  • 5/5 Graham L. 2 years ago on Google
    The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square is a brilliant place for artists to exhibit their creations.

  • 5/5 Katie T. 1 year ago on Google
    So random but so fun with a fly and a drone acting as a fly. I love how random this is and how out of place it seems but at the same time looks so great there and perfect location for so many to see and enjoy.

  • 4/5 T S. 1 year ago on Google
    Bye bye 4th plinth! It's been great seeing it as the backdrop for many of my photos and such a quirky piece it was too with many referring to it as the ice cream. This plinth has witnessed many grand events at trafalgar square from the victory of the womens football, to olympics and many other events.

  • 5/5 Piotr A. 5 months ago on Google
    I love this project. The Fourth Plinth commission team decides which artwork to choose. So the artworks on plinth have been being changed. Now we have the artwork titled Antelope by Samson Kambalu Antelope presents Malawian Baptist preacher John Nkologo Chilembwe and European missionary John Chorley. Name of the sculpture derives from the fact that Chilembwe's hat rises to two peaks, like antelope horns. I wonder what artwork will be next.

  • 5/5 Chris G. 2 years ago on Google
    The forth plinth has a rotating display on it. Currently thereโ€™s an ice cream sculpture thatโ€™s been there for a couple of years. I think they change it yearly but I guess with Covid itโ€™s been left there for a while. Looking forward to something new on the plinth.


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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