List of Ferris wheels
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This is a list of Ferris wheels whose construction has been completed and which have opened to the public. The Ferris wheel is a large, rotating structure with passenger cabins attached along its circumference, designed primarily for amusement and scenic observation. Since its inception in the late 19th century, Ferris wheels have undergone significant transformations in size, materials, and engineering, becoming both iconic attractions and architectural landmarks.
The first Ferris wheel was introduced in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., it stood 80.4 meters (264 feet) tall and was built as a centerpiece for the fair, intended to rival the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower. This original Ferris wheel set the standard for future designs and demonstrated the potential for large-scale observation wheels.
In the early 20th century, Ferris wheels continued to evolve. The Wiener Riesenrad, constructed in 1897 in Vienna, Austria, was notable for its iron construction and a height of 64.75 meters (212 feet), making it one of the tallest Ferris wheels of its time. Unlike its predecessor, which was dismantled in 1906, the Wiener Riesenrad remains in operation today, serving as a historical landmark. The late 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in Ferris wheels, with advancements in engineering allowing for even taller and more structurally complex designs. In 1989, the Cosmo Clock 21 in Yokohama, Japan, became the world’s tallest Ferris wheel at 107.5 meters (353 feet). It was one of the first large-scale wheels to incorporate an integrated clock, combining functionality with entertainment.
At the turn of the 21st century, Ferris wheels reached new heights. The London Eye, opened in 2000, represented a significant innovation in design. At 135 meters (443 feet) tall, it introduced the concept of a cantilevered observation wheel, supported only on one side rather than by a traditional A-frame structure. This allowed for a more open and panoramic viewing experience, setting a new standard for urban observation wheels. The title of the world's tallest Ferris wheel continued to change hands in the following years. The Star of Nanchang, completed in China in 2006, reached 160 meters (525 feet), surpassing the London Eye. It was soon overtaken by the Singapore Flyer, which stood at 165 meters (541 feet) when it opened in 2008. The High Roller in Las Vegas, launched in 2014, further pushed the boundaries with a height of 167.6 meters (550 feet), holding the record for several years. In 2021, the Ain Dubai was unveiled in the United Arab Emirates, becoming the tallest Ferris wheel in the world at 250 meters (820 feet). This structure marked a new era of observation wheels, integrating advanced engineering techniques and high-capacity cabins capable of hosting events and dining experiences. Throughout their history, Ferris wheels have evolved from simple fairground attractions into feats of engineering and urban landmarks. Each milestone in their development reflects advancements in technology, materials, and design, cementing their role as both entertainment structures and symbols of modernity.
Fixed Ferris wheels
Fixed Ferris wheels are usually intended for permanent installation, as opposed to transportable wheels which are designed to be operated at multiple locations. Occasionally however, fixed wheels are also sometimes dismantled and relocated. Larger examples include the original Ferris Wheel, which operated at two sites in Chicago, Illinois, and a third in St. Louis, Missouri; Technocosmos/Technostar, which moved to Expoland, Osaka, after Expo '85, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, for which it was built, ended; and Cosmo Clock 21, which added 5 metres (16 ft) onto its original 107.5-metre (353 ft) height when erected for the second time at Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama, in 1999.
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Transportable Ferris wheels
Transportable Ferris wheels are designed to be operated at multiple locations, as opposed to fixed wheels which are usually intended for permanent installation. Small transportable designs may be permanently mounted on trailers, and can be moved intact. Larger transportable wheels are designed to be repeatedly dismantled and rebuilt, some using water ballast instead of the permanent foundations of their fixed counterparts.