The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is a cantilevered observation wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, England. Here's a detailed look at this iconic landmark:
History
- Conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield in 1993, the London Eye was originally proposed as part of London's millennium celebrations.
- Construction began in 1998, and the wheel was officially opened on 31 December 1999 to celebrate the new millennium, although it did not open to the public until 9 December 2000 due to technical issues.
- It was initially intended to be a temporary structure, but its popularity led to it becoming a permanent fixture of the London skyline.
Design and Structure
- The London Eye stands at 135 meters (443 feet) tall, making it one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world.
- It has 32 glass-enclosed ovoid capsules, each representing one of the London Boroughs, though there is no capsule number 13 for superstitious reasons.
- Each capsule can carry up to 25 people, offering panoramic views of the city. The wheel rotates at 0.6 miles per hour (0.96 km/h), so one revolution takes about 30 minutes.
Ownership and Management
Visitor Experience
- The London Eye offers visitors a unique perspective on London's landmarks such as Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Special packages are available, including fast-track tickets, champagne experiences, and private capsules for events.
- It is especially popular during New Year's Eve when the wheel is part of the fireworks display celebrations.
Recognition and Awards
- The London Eye has won numerous architectural awards and is often listed as one of London's top attractions.
- It has been illuminated in various colors to mark special occasions and events.
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