London Eye (Millennium Wheel) — observation wheel on London's South Bank
The London Eye is a 135-metre observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames, opened in 2000. Also called the Millennium Wheel, it is a major paid tourist attraction and an iconic part of London's skyline.
The London Eye, often called the Millennium Wheel, is a large cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in central London. Conceived in the late 1990s as a landmark project to mark the turn of the millennium, it opened to the public in 2000 and quickly became one of the city's most recognisable structures and most-visited paid attractions. The installation sits between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge and forms a prominent element of the riverside skyline.
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Design, structure and operation
The wheel is a tensioned steel structure supported on an A-frame on one side and rotates slowly to allow passengers to board without the wheel stopping. It has 32 sealed, climate-controlled passenger capsules, each mounted externally to give unobstructed views and able to hold several dozen people. A full rotation takes roughly half an hour, providing a continuous panoramic experience rather than a brief snapshot. The capsules are numbered and the platform is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors. For technical and visitor information see design overview.
- Height: approximately 135 metres at its highest point (branding and naming).
- Capsules: 32 enclosed pods for passengers (capsule details).
- Rotation time: about 30 minutes per revolution (operation notes).
- Location: western end of Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank (near Westminster Bridge, opposite Hungerford Bridge).
History and construction
The Eye was proposed and developed during the 1990s by architects and engineers aiming to create a new viewing platform for London. The structure was assembled in large segments and raised into place using a staged lift; the installation method and the wheel's cantilevered form attracted attention from engineering communities and the public alike. The scheme was realised with private and commercial backing and was formally opened in the year 2000. For historical context and milestones consult project history.
Uses, visitors and cultural role
Functioning primarily as an observation attraction, the London Eye offers visitors panoramic views across London landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. It has become a focal point for celebrations and seasonal events, and it regularly appears in films, television and other works of popular culture. The wheel attracts well over two million visitors each year and is featured in many guidebooks and tour itineraries; see visitor information for practical details.
Comparisons and notable facts
When completed it was among the tallest observation wheels in the world, though subsequently other wheels have exceeded its height: the Star of Nanchang and the Singapore Flyer are examples of larger observation wheels constructed after the London Eye. The Eye nevertheless remains one of Europe's best-known observation wheels and an enduring London landmark. For comparisons with other large wheels see Star of Nanchang and Singapore Flyer.
The London Eye continues to be maintained and updated to meet safety and accessibility standards and to serve both residents and visitors as a viewpoint and urban icon. Its combination of engineering ambition, urban location and popular appeal helps explain why it remains an important part of London’s modern identity.
Questions and answers
Q: What is the London Eye?
A: The London Eye is a large metal Ferris wheel, also known as the Millennium Wheel, located on the South Bank of the river Thames in London.
Q: What is the height of the London Eye?
A: The London Eye is 135 metres (443 feet) high, making it Europe's tallest Ferris wheel when it was built.
Q: What is the London Eye's location?
A: The London Eye is situated at the western end of Jubilee Garden on the South Bank of the river Thames, between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge.
Q: What is the London Eye's popular culture significance?
A: The London Eye is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with over 2.2 million visitors annually, and has made many appearances in popular culture.
Q: What is the highest public viewing point in London?
A: The highest public viewing point in London is the observation deck on the 72nd floor of The Shard, which is 245 meters (804 feet) high.
Q: What is the importance of mid-January 2015 for the London Eye?
A: In mid-January 2015, the London Eye was rebranded as the Coca-Cola London Eye after an agreement signed in September 2014.
Q: What are the heights of the two Ferris wheels that have overtaken the London Eye in height?
A: The Star of Nanchang is 160 metres (520 feet) high and the Singapore Flyer is 165 metres (541 feet) high, both taller than the London Eye.
Related articles
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AlegsaOnline.com London Eye (Millennium Wheel) — observation wheel on London's South Bank Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/59025
Sources
- marksbarfield.com : "London Eye - Marks Barfield"
- londoneye.com : Royal Mail Celebrates 10 Years of the London Eye
- standard.co.uk : "Up you come, the view's amazing... first look from the Shard's public gallery"
- cnplus.co.uk : Shard observation deck to be Europe's highest
- news.sky.com : The Shard opens viewing deck to visitors
- londoneye.com : londoneye.com/about-us/