Discover London Eye | A Magnificent Observation Wheel

Why is the London Eye Famous?

• Iconic as they come: The London Eye is London’s most iconic structure. It is often the face of the English capital and proof of London’s amazing architecture and modern landscape.
• Stunning views: The London Eye offers unbeatable views of the English capital and skyline thanks to its elevation. Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace are all visible from the London Eye.
• Open all day: The London Eye provides daytime and nighttime views of the London skyline. The views from the observation capsules are different in daylight and moonlight, making the London Eye a unique attraction.
• A unique experience: Several locations in London offer views of the city skyline, but the London Eye is unique. Seeing the city from an elevation of 135 meters in a rotating capsule will blow your mind, and the experience will stay with you forever.
• Great location: Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is accessible by public transport. You can visit it conveniently from anywhere in London.

History of the London Eye In A Nutshell

1993 - The Sunday Times and Great Britain’s Architecture Foundation sponsor a competition to design a new landmark in London for the turn of the millennium. Marks Barfield architects David Marks and Julia Barfield submitted their entries to the competition.

1998 - Marks and Barfield began the project development despite not officially winning the competition. No winner was ever announced.

1998 - Construction began in 1998. The wheel was constructed horizontally over the river and pulled upright towards the end of the project.

1999 - Then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair ceremonially opened the London Eye on 31 December 1999, ushering the city and the world into a new millennium.

2000 - London Eye welcomed the first paying passenger on 9 March 2000, more than two months after its opening.

2005 - The London Eye was scheduled to be dismantled in 2005 but was kept alive due to its popularity.

2006 - An LED lighting system was installed to make the attraction equally beautiful in the dark.

2006 - Original owners British Airways and Marks Barfield transferred the sole ownership of the attraction to the Tussauds group.

2007 - Tussauds was sold to private equity behemoth the Blackstone Group, which merged the London Eye into its Merlin Entertainments Group.