It was definitely smaller than 5' - I am a little over 5' and it wasn't as tall as me.  In daylight (sunlight in particular) it looks blah.  Almost sad.  But once it gets dark and the fiber optics kick in it does really look nice.  Just disappointed in height and also wanted it to look nice in daylight and evening.  Would I buy it again probably not.  I wanted to see how this one was as I was going to get one for another part of the house but I think the price is too high for what you get.