The London Eye

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located along the River Thames in London, England. Today it is Europe's tallest Ferris wheel however it was also the world's tallest Ferris wheel until 2006 when its 443 foot record height was surpassed by the 520 foot tall Star of Nanchang Ferris wheel. The London Eye was opened formally by Prime Minister Tony Blair on New Year's Eve 1999, but it was not opened for public use until March of 2000 due to technical issues. By June of 2008 30 million people had taken a ride on the London Eye.

Interesting London Eye Facts:
The London Eye had had several names including the British Airways London Eye, Merlin Entertainment's London Eye, the EDF Energy London Eye, the Coca-Cola London Eye, and it has also been known as the Millennium Wheel.
The London Eye was designed by several architects including Frank Anatole, Nic Bailey, Julia Barfield, Steve Chilton, Malcolm Cook, David Marks, and Mark Sparrowhawk.
On New Year's Eye the London Eye was tested without passengers. On February 1st, 2000 it was tested with its first passengers. On March 9th, 2000 the London Eye opened to the public.
The London Eye cost approximately 70 million pounds to build.
The London Eye is 443 feet tall and its diameter is 394 feet.
The London Eye resembles the wheel of a bicycle with tensioned steel cables supporting the wheel's rim similar to spokes.