IN PICTURES: Europe's tallest skyscraper, The Shard, opens in London

Steve Keall. Click to zoom.

The Olympics has coincided with the opening of Europe's tallest skyscraper, The Shard.

Steve Keall. Click to zoom.

The London office tower was built at an estimated cost of £450 million($NZ876 million), and bankrolled by the Qatari Royal family.

Steve Keall. Click to zoom.

It was topped off in March and stands 309.6 metres (1016 feet) high, making it the world's 59th tallest building.

Steve Keall. Click to zoom.

It is jointly owned by the Qatari Royal family and the UK's Sellar Property Group.

Steve Keall. Click to zoom.

The Shard houses three floors of restaurants, 55,000sqm (600,000 squar feet) of office space, a 200-bed, five-star hotel (opening in 2013), 10 "homes" and a viewing platform. A visit to the viewing platform costs £90 ($NZ175).

Steve Keall. Click to zoom.

The Shard's irregular pyramid, glass-clad design is by architect Renzo Piano.

Artist's impression of an apartment in the Shard. Sellar Property Group. Click to zoom.

The buildings 10 "homes" are expected to sell for between £30 million and £50 million each. They feature up to 5580sqm (60,000 square feet) of floor space and - London weather allowing - views to the sea.

The full fitout won't be completed until 2014.

Above and below: Near neighbours London Bridge, St Paul's and the Swiss Re Building (popularly known as The Gherkin); The Shard from above. Sellar Property Group and inhabitat. Click to zoom.