The History of the London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most famous landmarks in London, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is a giant observation wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. The London Eye was originally designed to be a temporary attraction, but its popularity led to its permanent installation. The London Eye has become an iconic part of the London skyline and a symbol of British engineering.
The Design of the London Eye
The London Eye was designed by architects Frank Anatole, Nic Bailey, and Steve Chilton, along with engineer Malcolm Cook. The design was inspired by the Greek mythological figure of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. The wheel is 135 meters (443 feet) tall and has a diameter of 120 meters (394 feet). It is made up of 32 capsules, each weighing 10 tons, and capable of holding up to 25 people at a time. The London Eye was designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds and lightning strikes.
Construction of the London Eye Begins
Construction of the London Eye began in 1998, and it took two years to complete. The construction was carried out by a team of over 1,000 workers, who worked around the clock to complete the project on time and within budget. The capsules were assembled in Holland and transported to London by barge. The wheel itself was assembled on the ground and then raised into position using hydraulic jacks.
The Opening Ceremony of the London Eye
The London Eye was officially opened by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair on March 31, 2000. The opening ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Prince Charles and his then-wife, Camilla Parker Bowles. The London Eye was initially intended to be a temporary attraction, but its popularity led to its permanent installation.
The London Eye: A Tourist Attraction is Born
The London Eye quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. It attracted over 3.5 million visitors in its first year of operation, and by 2019, it had welcomed over 80 million visitors. The London Eye offers stunning views of London’s skyline, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace.
The London Eye: A Symbol of London
The London Eye has become an iconic part of the London skyline and a symbol of British engineering. It is often featured in films, television shows, and advertisements, and has been the backdrop for many important events. For example, the London Eye was lit up in the colors of the French flag after the terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015, as a symbol of solidarity with the French people.
The London Eye: From Ferris Wheel to Observation Wheel
The London Eye is often referred to as a Ferris wheel, but technically, it is an observation wheel. The difference is that a Ferris wheel is supported by a central axle, while an observation wheel is supported by a rim. The London Eye was the world’s tallest observation wheel when it was built, but it has since been surpassed by other wheels, such as the High Roller in Las Vegas.
The London Eye Today: Changes and Renovations
Over the years, the London Eye has undergone several changes and renovations. In 2009, the capsules were upgraded to include interactive touch screens that provide information about the sights below. In 2013, the London Eye underwent a major lighting upgrade, which included the installation of LED lights that can display millions of different color combinations.
The London Eye and the Environment
The London Eye is committed to being environmentally friendly. It is powered by electricity generated by wind turbines, and its capsules are made from recycled materials. The London Eye also supports various environmental initiatives, such as the Thames River Watch, which monitors the health of the River Thames.
The London Eye: Fun Facts and Trivia
- The London Eye was the world’s tallest observation wheel when it was built.
- The London Eye has 32 capsules, one for each of the London boroughs.
- A complete rotation of the London Eye takes about 30 minutes.
- The London Eye has featured in several films, including "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix" and "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer."
Conclusion: The Date of the Creation of the London Eye
The London Eye was created in 1998 and officially opened on March 31, 2000, by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. It is a giant observation wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. The London Eye has become an iconic part of the London skyline and a symbol of British engineering.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the London Eye
The London Eye has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, attracting millions of visitors every year. It has also become a symbol of British engineering and a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its designers and builders. The London Eye’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of architects, engineers, and innovators.
