London Eye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids London Eye |
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The London Eye in 2009
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| Former names | Millennium Wheel |
| General information | |
| Status | Operating |
| Type | Observation wheel |
| Location | Lambeth, London |
| Address | Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road |
| Coordinates | 51°30′12″N 0°07′10″W / 51.5033°N 0.1194°W |
| Completed | March 2000 |
| Opened |
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| Cost | £70 million |
| Owner | Merlin Entertainments |
| Height | 135 metres (443 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Diameter | 120 metres (394 ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect |
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| Architecture firm | Marks Barfield |
| Structural engineer | Arup |
| Other designers |
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| Awards and prizes | Institution of Structural Engineers Special Award 2001 |
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is a huge observation wheel in London. It stands proudly on the South Bank of the River Thames. Imagine a giant bicycle wheel supported only on one side – that's what "cantilevered" means! It's the tallest observation wheel of its kind in the world.
This amazing structure is one of the most popular places to visit in the United Kingdom. Millions of people ride it every year. You might have even seen it in movies or TV shows! The London Eye is 135 metres (443 ft) tall, which is about as high as 45 double-decker buses stacked up! The wheel itself is 120 metres (394 ft) across. When it first opened in 2000, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Later, other wheels like the Star of Nanchang in China became taller. For a long time, the Eye offered the highest public views in London. Then, in 2013, the View from The Shard observation deck opened, offering even higher views.
You can find the London Eye next to Jubilee Gardens. It's located on the South Bank of the River Thames, between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge. The closest tube station is Waterloo.
Contents
The London Eye: A Giant View of London
How the London Eye Was Imagined
The idea for the London Eye came from two architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield. They were a husband-and-wife team who loved designing new things. They started their own company, Marks Barfield Architects, in 1989.
In 1993, a newspaper held a competition. They wanted ideas for a new landmark to celebrate the year 2000, the start of a new millennium. David and Julia saw this as a great chance to share their creative ideas. David was inspired by the tall towers he saw on his way to work. He thought it would be wonderful for everyone to see London from high up.
They realized a giant wheel could lift people easily and smoothly. This way, it wouldn't be compared to famous towers like the Eiffel Tower. Julia suggested building it on the South Bank. This area was central and had a special history, as it hosted the Festival of Britain many years before. They worked with an engineer named Jane Wernick to design a huge wheel for the River Thames.
The competition didn't pick a winner, which disappointed David and Julia. But they didn't give up! Their friends encouraged them. They even used their own home as a guarantee to get permission from the local council.
In 1994, a newspaper called the Evening Standard started a campaign to support the wheel. Many people liked the idea! Soon, a big company called British Airways decided to invest money to help the project. This money allowed the architects to create detailed plans. In 1996, they received official permission to build the Millennium Wheel. After British banks said no, banks from Germany and a company from Japan helped fund the project.
Building the Giant Wheel
The London Eye's outer edge looks like a giant bicycle wheel. It is held up by strong steel cables that are pulled tight. In 2006, the lights on the wheel were updated. They now use special LED lights. These lights can change colors digitally, making the wheel look amazing at night!
Many different companies worked together to build the Eye. For example, Hollandia from the Netherlands made the main steel parts. Tony Gee & Partners designed the strong foundations.
The wheel was built in many pieces. These pieces were floated down the River Thames on large boats called barges. They were put together on platforms built in the river. Once the whole wheel was assembled, it was lifted upright. This was done using a special system of powerful jacks. It was a slow process, taking several days to carefully raise the massive structure.
Building the London Eye was a team effort from many European countries. Steel came from the UK and was shaped in the Netherlands. Cables came from Italy, and bearings from Germany. The central parts were made in the Czech Republic. The passenger capsules were built in France, with glass from Italy. Even the electrical parts came from the UK.
Opening and Becoming Permanent
The London Eye was officially opened by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on New Year's Eve, 31 December 1999. However, the first paying visitors couldn't ride it until 9 March 2000. There was a small problem with one of the capsule parts that needed fixing.
The London Eye was first planned to be a temporary attraction, staying for only five years. But it became so popular that people wanted it to stay forever! In 2002, the local council agreed to make the London Eye a permanent part of London's skyline.
Who Owns the London Eye?
The original owners of the London Eye were the architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield, along with the Tussauds Group and British Airways. Over time, the Tussauds Group bought out the shares from British Airways and the architects.
Later, the Tussauds Group joined with another big company called Merlin Entertainments. Today, Merlin Entertainments owns and operates the London Eye. They also run many other famous attractions around the world.
What Happens Inside the Capsules?
The London Eye has 32 special passenger capsules. They are shaped like large eggs and are sealed and air-conditioned for comfort. These capsules are attached to the outside of the wheel. Electric motors gently turn the wheel. The capsules are numbered from 1 to 33, but there is no number 13. This is because some people are superstitious about the number 13!
Each capsule is very heavy, weighing about 10-tonne (11-short-ton). They can hold up to 25 people. Inside, you can walk around and enjoy the views, or sit down if you prefer. The wheel moves very slowly, at about 26 cm (10 in) per second. This means one full rotation takes about 30 minutes. It usually doesn't stop to let people on or off. The slow speed allows passengers to simply walk into and out of the moving capsules at ground level. However, it will stop if someone needs extra time, like elderly or disabled passengers.
In 2009, the capsules started getting a big upgrade. Each one was carefully taken off the wheel and floated down the river for improvements.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, one capsule was named the Coronation Capsule in 2013. In March 2020, for its 20th birthday, some capsules were turned into special themed experiences. Imagine a pub, a theatre, or even a garden party inside a capsule, all while enjoying the London views!
Famous Brands and the London Eye
Like many big attractions, the London Eye has had different sponsors over the years. A sponsor is a company that pays money to have its name associated with the attraction.
From its opening until 2008, it was known as the British Airways London Eye. In 2009, it changed to the Merlin Entertainments London Eye.
In 2011, EDF Energy became the sponsor. They even wanted to paint one capsule bright orange to match their brand! However, local officials asked for it to be changed back to its original look.
In 2015, the attraction became the Coca-Cola London Eye. Some people had concerns about this sponsorship.
Since 2020, the online travel company lastminute.com has been the sponsor. At night, the wheel is lit up in their signature hot pink color!
The London Eye's Special Place in Culture
The London Eye has become a true symbol of London. Many people think of it when they imagine the city. In 2006, a government survey even called it an icon of modern England. You can see its image in British passports and on the seats of some London Underground trains. It was also a big part of the closing ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics.
Every year, the London Eye is the center of London's amazing New Year's Eve celebrations. More than 2,000 fireworks are launched right from the wheel itself during the televised display!
It's also a very romantic spot! By 2026, over 6,000 marriage proposals had taken place on the London Eye.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the London Eye joined other famous landmarks. It lit up in blue to show support for the amazing staff of the National Health Service.
Since the 2020s, the London Eye has also started a special tradition. In collaboration with the New Crescent Society, it lights up when the crescent moon is seen for the Islamic month of Shawwal. This marks the start of Eid Al Fitr celebrations.
Getting to the London Eye
The easiest way to reach the London Eye is by London Underground. The nearest station is Waterloo. Other stations like Charing Cross, Embankment, and Westminster are also a short walk away.
If you're traveling by train, you can connect at London Waterloo station and London Waterloo East station.
You can also arrive by boat! London River Services, operated by Thames Clippers and City Cruises, stop at the London Eye Pier.
See also
In Spanish: London Eye para niños
