A massive animatronic dragon from the hit television series House of the Dragon has taken up residence at the Tower of London, offering visitors a chance to see the mythical creature up close. The 50-foot-long Syrax, ridden by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the show, is the centerpiece of a new immersive experience called 'The Dragon's Lair' that opens to the public on July 14.
What Visitors Can Expect
The installation features a fully articulated Syrax that breathes smoke, roars, and moves its wings and tail. The dragon is suspended from the ceiling of the White Tower, creating the illusion of flight. According to Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that manages the Tower of London, the experience includes sound effects and lighting to simulate a dragon's lair.
“We are thrilled to bring a dragon from the world of Westeros to the Tower of London,” said John Barnes, a spokesperson for Historic Royal Palaces. “This is a unique opportunity for fans and families to step into the world of House of the Dragon and witness the magic of Syrax.”
Behind the Scenes
The animatronic dragon was created by the same team that built the dragons for the television series. It took over six months to design and construct, using a combination of steel, foam, and silicone. The dragon is operated by a team of puppeteers and animatronics experts who control its movements remotely.
“Syrax is one of the most impressive animatronics we have ever created,” said Sarah Jones, a lead animatronics engineer. “Every detail, from the scales to the eyes, has been meticulously crafted to match the screen version.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for 'The Dragon's Lair' are priced at £25 for adults and £15 for children, with family discounts available. The experience is expected to run until October 31. Visitors are advised to book in advance as slots are limited. The Tower of London expects an increase in visitor numbers, with early ticket sales already exceeding expectations.
“We anticipate that this will be one of our most popular attractions this year,” added Barnes. “The combination of history and fantasy is proving to be a huge draw.”
