Towering over the Thames since 1999, the London Eye has become a beloved symbol of modern London. Originally built to celebrate the new millennium, this massive Ferris wheel was designed to be the world’s tallest, standing 135 meters high. With its 32 glass capsules, each representing one of London’s boroughs, the Eye was planned as a temporary attraction—but its immediate popularity secured its place as a permanent fixture on the city’s skyline. Though the wheel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Tony Blair on December 31, 1999, technical issues delayed its opening to the public until March 9, 2000.
As visitors finally began stepping into the capsules, they were treated to breathtaking, 360-degree views of London, offering a fresh way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks. A complete rotation takes around 30 minutes, moving slowly enough that passengers can board and disembark without stopping. Constructed with international collaboration, the London Eye’s engineering included parts made in the Netherlands by Mercon in Gorinchem, adding a unique cross-European touch to the project.
Known also as the “Millennium Wheel,” it offers views so expansive that, on a clear day, visitors can spot 36 bridges along the Thames, multiple football stadiums, and up to seven counties beyond London’s limits. The London Eye, located across from the historic Palace of Westminster, stands as London’s fourth-tallest structure and offers a rare vantage point to admire the blend of old and new architecture that defines the city. As it slowly rotates, the Eye continues to captivate both locals and tourists, now a lasting icon of London’s innovative and ever-evolving spirit.
Sources. Story: Source Story: Londen Geschiedenis en wetenswaardigheden Canon van London https://www.britannica.com/place/London-Eye https://londonist.com/london/history/london-eye-trivia Photos: Source Photo: Peter_Glyn, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
