Timeline

The London Eye has come a long way since opening as the Millennium Wheel in 2000, it has become a symbol of modern Britain; it is the UK’s number one paid-for visitor attraction and the number one filming location.

Please see below for key events that have help create and shape the fascinating London Eye that is present today.

June 2008

The 30 millionth visitor was welcomed to the London Eye.

May 2008

The millionth visitor was welcomed on the London Eye River Cruise.

March 2007

The 25 millionth visitor was welcomed to the London Eye

March 2007

The London Eye became part of the Merlin Entertainment’s Group, the world’s number two visitor attraction operator.

February 2006

The London Eye was finally granted a 25 year lease agreement

December 2005

The first civil partnership was performed on the London Eye. To mark the special occasion, the London Eye was turned pink.

March 2005

The London Eye celebrated its fifth anniversary - 7,000 quarter bottles of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and 3,000 bottles of orange juice were given away to customers to help celebrate the special day

February 2004

The London Eye remained open for the first time until midnight to create a romantic atmosphere on St. Valentine’s Day

September 2002

The 10 millionth customer was welcomed at the London Eye

August 2002

The popular London Eye River Cruise was launched

February 2002

Exciting and unique wedding packages were introduced

January 2002

The Euro was accepted at the London Eye

March 2001

The London Eye celebrated its first official birthday. During the first year of operation, the London Eye welcomed more than 3.5 million customers

March 2000

The London Eye officially opened to the public

October 1999

The London Eye was raised over the River Thames

Late 1998

Building commenced on the construction of The London Eye