We visited SEE MONSTER this weekend on its opening day. Find out what we thought and some of your questions answered.
What Is SEE MONSTER?
SEE MONSTER is a 35-meter tall art installation created using a disused oil platform from the North Sea, currently residing on the Weston-Super-Mare seafront.
SEE MONSTER is designed to inspire us to have conversations about renewable energy, recycling and, apparently, the weather. There are plants to create a micro-climate, a waterfall, and shimmering scales.
SEE MONSTER is set over four levels, reached by a combination of steps and slopes. There was a short queue to reach the top level as it’s smaller than the other levels and therefore numbers are limited at any one time.
There is also a lift to each level for those unable to climb the stairs.
SEE MONSTER is part of a group of ten large art installations across the country during 2022.
What We Thought Of SEE MONSTER – Our Review
I’d seen the odd news segment about SEE MONSTER over the last six months but in all honesty, hadn’t really given it a lot of thought.
My husband and I had been planning a trip to Weston anyway for a date night (Bistro Pierre does a bargain three-course dinner!) and a friend mentioned to me that SEE MONSTER had opened.
SEE MONSTER certainly cuts an imposing figure on Weston seafront and was easy to spot from the car on the way into the town.
After our dinner, we decided to head down and see what all the fuss was about, provided the queues weren’t too long.
Despite being opening day, we only actually queued for around five minutes. While in the queue we temporarily adopted two 14-year-olds who wouldn’t have been allowed on without an adult. They were lovely and I really hope they enjoyed their experience.
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SEE MONSTER is a huge and imposing structure and it’s pretty awe-inspiring to look at from the ground up. My husband’s knees were grateful that the steps up to the first two levels weren’t too steep and we enjoyed views of Weston beach and town on the way up.
There was a short wait (around 15 minutes) to be allowed up to the final level, but it was totally worth it for the views. There is a small amphitheatre where you can sit and enjoy uninterrupted views out to sea.
There is also a slide back down to level two. There was a short queue but this did move pretty quickly and was enjoyed by children and adults of all ages, including myself (although do be aware no under fives).
The only thing that spoiled this area slightly was some very young children being allowed to run around unaccompanied (I’m talking under twos!) both my husband and I were having palpitations as it’s so high up, even though it is of course very safe.
Overall, we really enjoyed visiting SEE MONSTER. It is definitely an experience and a fun one at that. Climbing up a disused oil rig doesn’t sound like it’s going to be fun, but it really was and we were surprised by what an entertaining experience it was.
Personally, I don’t think SEE MONSTER does much to inspire conversations about renewables or recycling. As someone who is passionate about sustainability, I would have loved to see more information about this on SEE MONSTER or even boards with information down around the base area.
While I can appreciate the idea behind turning an oil platform into an art installation, surely the costs involved would outweigh the cost of simply recycling the materials to begin with.
Maybe appreciate the concept more if it was going to be permanent. The structure is already considered quite a blight on the landscape by some of the folk of W-S-M and there are plans to dismantle it when the art installation closes.
I think the majority of visitors will be there for the architecture and the views rather than because of an interest in environmentalism and I’m aware the project as a whole has already garnered a fair amount of criticism both locally and nationally.
While we did enjoy our experience, I don’t think this is the answer to recycling or renewable energy.
Would We revisit SEE MONSTER?
I do think we would maybe revisit, either with our four-year-old daughter so she could experience SEE MONSTER or at a different time of day for some different views (it’s open until 9 pm daily so we thought a visit in the dark might be fun).
SEE MONSTER – FAQs
Where Is SEE MONSTER?
SEE MONSTER is located on the Sea Front in Weston-Super-Mare in the old Tropicana lido.
The full address is:
38 Beach Rd
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1BG
What Times Is SEE MONSTER Open?
SEE MONSTER is open from 9 am to 9 pm daily.
How Long Is SEE MONSTER Open For?
SEE MONSTER is open from September 24th until November 5th.
Is SEE MONSTER free to enter?
Yes, SEE MONSTER is free to enter.
Is SEE MONSTER Accessible?
Yes, SEE MONSTER is accessible. There is a lift to each level for those that are unable to use the stairs.
Are There Toilets At SEE MONSTER?
Yes, there are toilets at SEE MONSTER.
How Long Are The Queues For SEE MONSTER?
Queues for SEE MONSTER will vary and we were surprised how short they were considering it was opening night.
There are markers in the queue that let you know how long it will take from that point until entry.
Are There Age Restrictions For SEE MONSTER?
Under sixteen will need to be accompanied by an adult to visit SEE MONSTER.
Do I Need To Book SEE MONSTER?
There is no need to book SEE MONSTER but you may wish to contact the venue directly for large parties or schools.
