The London Eye officially turns 25 this year, a significant icon of the London skyline since its opening in 2000. Originally intended as a temporary structure for the millennium, it has become a permanent and beloved landmark.
The London Eye, one of the most famous attractions in the United Kingdom, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this Sunday. Since its opening in 2000, the giant observation wheel has welcomed over 85 million visitors, becoming an iconic feature of London’s skyline.
Originally designed to mark the new millennium, the wheel was created by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield. It was initially planned to be a temporary structure, standing for just five years. However, due to its immense popularity, it was made a permanent part of the South Bank in 2024.
Rising 135 meters above the River Thames, the London Eye offers breathtaking views of landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. On a clear day, visitors can even spot Windsor Castle, located about 40 kilometers away. The attraction has also become a central part of New Year’s Eve celebrations, hosting stunning fireworks displays each year.
A Beautiful Metaphor for Life
The wheel’s design represents the passage of time and life’s continuous motion. When it first opened, it was one of the only high-altitude viewing points in London. Since then, the city’s skyline has changed significantly. With skyscrapers such as The Gherkin (2004), The Shard (2013), and The Cheesegrater (2014) now visible from its glass capsules.
Each year, around 3.5 million people take a 30-minute ride on the wheel, paying £29 ($37.17) per ticket. Over the years, the London Eye has also appeared in numerous films and television shows and has been the setting for approximately 8,000 marriage proposals.
Senior Ride Manager Kahera Mcdonald shared that on peak days, as many as 18,000 visitors step aboard. Additionally, 1% of ticket sales are used to support the local area, contributing to the improvement of public spaces surrounding the attraction.
To mark the milestone, a short film titled “Turning 25: London’s Eye” will be released on March 6. This documentary will share the history of the wheel and its impact on the city. As the structure continues to stand tall along the Thames, it remains a symbol of modern London and a must-visit destination for tourists from around the world.
