Europe
England
London
Ferris wheel
London Eye
Name:London Eye
Opening date:9 March 2000
Architects:Julia Barfield and David Marks
Height:135 metres
Number of capsules:32
Capacity per capsule:up to 28 people
Weight:approx. 2,100 tonnes
Number of visitors:approx. 3.5 million visitors per year
London Eye an der Themse mit Westminster Bridge, Elizabeth Tower und Houses of Parliament

London Eye: London’s famous observation wheel on the River Thames

Location: The London Eye stands on the south bank of the River Thames in the central London Borough of Lambeth. It is located beside the former County Hall, directly opposite the Palace of Westminster and just a short distance from Westminster Bridge.

Significance: The London Eye is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. Welcoming around 3.5 million visitors each year, it is also one of the United Kingdom’s most popular paid tourist attractions. When it opened in 2000, it was the tallest observation wheel in the world. It held this record until 2006, when it was overtaken by the 160-metre-high Star of Nanchang in China. During the ride, passengers enjoy sweeping views across central London and many of the capital’s most famous buildings. On a clear day, the view from the highest point can extend for up to 40 kilometres.

Planning Phase: The idea for the attraction emerged in 1993 from a competition organised by the Sunday Times and the Architecture Foundation. The aim was to create a new landmark that would symbolise the approaching millennium in London. Although the design submitted by Julia Barfield and David Marks was not selected, the architect couple continued to develop the idea independently. They later secured British Airways as a major financial backer for the project. After numerous revisions, they produced the final concept for a 135-metre-high observation wheel with 32 glass capsules. Planning permission was initially granted for only five years. However, the London Eye proved so successful that it was eventually allowed to remain permanently.

Construction History: Construction began in 1998. Large components and individual sections of the wheel rim were transported to the site on barges along the River Thames. The wheel was first assembled horizontally on temporary platforms above the water. Once the structure had been fully assembled, it was slowly raised into its upright position using a hydraulic lifting system. Workers then attached the capsules, which had been manufactured in France, to the outside of the wheel rim. Prime Minister Tony Blair officially inaugurated the London Eye on 31 December 1999. However, technical problems with the capsules delayed the start of regular public operations until 9 March 2000.

Architecture and Technology: The London Eye is a cantilevered observation wheel supported from one side. The entire structure is held in place from the riverbank side by a large A-shaped support frame. Its wheel rim measures 120 metres in diameter and is connected to the hub and axle by numerous tensioned steel cables. This design resembles an enormous bicycle wheel, giving the structure a surprisingly light and open appearance despite its immense size. Because the capsules are mounted on the outside of the wheel rim, passengers enjoy almost completely unobstructed views across London. According to the operator, the London Eye cost up to £75 million to build.

Operator: The London Eye was created as a joint project between British Airways, the architectural practice Marks Barfield and the Tussauds Group. In 2005 and 2006, the Tussauds Group purchased the shares held by the other two partners and became the sole owner. In 2007, Merlin Entertainments acquired the Tussauds Group and, with it, the London Eye. Today, the international leisure company also operates well-known attractions and brands such as Madame Tussauds, Sea Life and the Legoland Resorts.

The Ride: A complete rotation of the London Eye takes around 30 minutes. The wheel travels at only about 0.9 kilometres per hour, making it barely faster than a tortoise. Its slow and steady pace usually allows passengers to board without the wheel having to stop. As the capsules rise above the city, the perspective changes continuously and reveals sweeping panoramic views across London.

Capsules: The London Eye has 32 enclosed, climate-controlled glass capsules. They represent London’s 32 boroughs and are numbered from 1 to 33. The number 13 was omitted because of superstition. A permanent plaque inside the second capsule commemorates the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. To celebrate the London Eye’s 20th anniversary in March 2020, 20 capsules were temporarily transformed into special experience spaces. These one-off installations included a traditional London pub, a throne room and a capsule featuring live theatre.

Events: The London Eye offers far more than a traditional sightseeing ride and regularly provides a spectacular setting for special events. Couples can hold an official civil wedding ceremony inside a capsule while enjoying views across London. Yoga and meditation classes, atmospheric candlelit concerts, themed events and Christmas performances have also taken place there. These events create memorable experiences high above the city. Guests can also reserve an entire capsule for private celebrations and special occasions. Available experiences include Champagne rides and specially arranged rides for marriage proposals. In 2013, stunt performer Jonathan Goodwin was suspended high above the ground beneath one of the capsules and escaped from a straitjacket while hanging there.

Spectacle: The London Eye plays a central role in London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Pyrotechnic effects are attached directly to the structure and combined with fireworks launched from barges on the River Thames. Digitally controlled LED lighting enhances the display with changing colours, patterns and animations. The wheel is also illuminated for anniversaries, cultural festivals and major social occasions. These lighting displays make it a highly visible feature of the London skyline.

Contribution to the South Bank: The London Eye plays an important role in supporting and improving its immediate surroundings. Since 2004, 1% of its annual revenue has been invested in the South Bank and neighbouring Waterloo as part of an urban development agreement. The money helps fund cleaning, security services, the maintenance of public spaces and charitable projects. By September 2025, the scheme had contributed more than £14 million to the local area.

Name: The London Eye was originally also known as the Millennium Wheel. Its official name was later changed several times to reflect different sponsors. Over the years, the attraction has been known as the British Airways London Eye, EDF Energy London Eye, Coca-Cola London Eye and lastminute.com London Eye.

  • London Eye an der Themse mit Westminster Bridge, Elizabeth Tower und Houses of Parliament
  • Gläserne Kapseln des London Eye aus der Untersicht vor bewölktem Himmel
  • London Eye und Themse bei Nacht mit beleuchteter Brücke und Londoner Skyline
  • Beleuchtetes London Eye am Ufer der Themse vor dem Gebäude der County Hall
  • Blick aus einer Kapsel des London Eye auf Elizabeth Tower, Houses of Parliament und Westminster Abbey
  • London Eye und County Hall mit spiegelnder Reflexion in der Themse unter farbigem Himmel
  • Kapsel des London Eye an der Einstiegsplattform mit Fahrgästen im Innenraum
  • Gläserne Kapsel des London Eye frontal über der weißen Tragkonstruktion