Big Ben 3D Paper Craft

Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and now with this craft you can make your own 3D paper version at home!

Whether you’re learning about England, preparing your child for a trip to London, or just looking for a fun cultural activity, this craft is for you!

This craft is perfect as a preschool, homeschool, or classroom activity for kids of all ages. Younger children might some help with the assembly of the tower, but will love decorating their own personal version of Big Ben. It’s great as part of an around the world study unit.

At the bottom of this post you can find some facts about Big Ben to talk about while you make the craft.

Big Ben 3D Craft

Materials

• Big Ben 3D Craft printable (Etsy link)
• Cardstock paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Paint/paintbrush (or markers, colored pencils, etc.)

Instructions

Download and print out the Big Ben 3D craft template. For a sturdier craft use cardstock paper. Note that I’ve tried both cardstock and regular printer paper and either one works well.

If you’re going to decorate your Big Ben with colored pencils or markers do that before you assemble the craft. If you’re going to paint your craft, I’ve found that it works best to do that after the clocktower is glued together (otherwise the paint can flake).

Cut along the dotted lines of the tabs and along the edges of of the clocktower.

Fold the tabs down and fold in between each of the four clocktowers on the dotted lines.

At the top of clocktower, fold the various levels of the steeple to form the pointed top (the bottom level will be folded in, the middle level folded out, and the top level folded in- see the picture below). Trust me, this is much easier to before you’ve started gluing the clocktower together.

Place glue on the tabs at the bottom of the clocktower and glue them to the inside walls of the tower to form a base.

Next, glue the tabs that connect the walls of the clocktower. If you’re having table securing the tabs, pinch the walls of the tower together at the seam and hold it for a minute until the glue sets.

Glue the tabs connecting the first level of the steeple.

Finally, glue the tabs at the top to complete the tower steeple.

Now the tower is complete! At this point you can paint your clocktower if you haven’t already decorated it before assembly.

I used a combination of brown and yellow to create a perfect color for Big Ben. Cover the tower with a light layer of paint, avoiding the clockface.

Let your paint dry.

Now your Big Ben 3D craft is complete!

Facts about Big Ben

Here are some interesting facts about Big Ben to discuss with your child or student as you complete the craft.

• Although people often call the clocktower Big Ben, it’s actually not the clock tower’s official name, it’s the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock.
• The official name of the clock tower is the Elizabeth Tower. It was renamed in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II.
• Big Ben is located in London, England, and stands at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.
• The minute hand on the clock is as long as a double-decker bus!
• The Great Bell (Big Ben) weighs a whopping 13.7 tons (over 30,000 pounds)
• Big Ben chimes every hour, and you can hear the beautiful melody up to 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.
• The tower is approximately 315 feet (96 meters) tall, making it an iconic part of the London skyline.
• Big Ben is one of the most famous clocks globally and is recognized around the world.

Other crafts to try

British King’s Guard Puppet Craft

Make Your Own Eiffel Tower- 3D Kids Craft

How to Make Celery Stamp Flowers (Free template)

Chichen Itza 3D Craft

Cliffs of Moher 3D Craft for Kids