Ferris wheels can also be called observation wheel or big wheel. Ferris wheels are famous carnival attractions but today, it has become an infrastructure or a symbol for a country. The taller the Ferris wheel, the more popular a country is. Many countries construct Ferris wheels with the hope of surpassing the current world’s tallest Ferris wheel.
The idea of Ferris wheel was spearheaded by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. It was created as a milestone for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago last 1893. The first Ferris wheel was originally intended to rival if not surpass Gustave Eiffel’s tower. Do you want to know the world’s tallest Ferris wheels? Here’s a glimpse in chronological order:
Original Ferris wheel
The first Ferris wheel was 80.4 meters built for the Exposition in Chicago last 1893. It was demolished last 1906.
Great wheel
This Ferris wheel was made for the Empire of India last 1895. It was 94 meters but then it was demolished in 1907.
Grande Roue de Paris
This Ferris wheel was built for the world fair in Paris last 1990. Though it was demolished, the fact remains that the height (100 meters) was not exceeded until almost 90 years following its construction.
Cosmo Clock 21
This Ferris wheel is part of the 1989 exposition at Yokohama, Japan. It was originally about 107.5 meters but later on dismantled and moved to a taller base which increased its height to 112.5 meters.
Tempozan Ferris wheel
Tempozan is in Japan. It opened last 1999 and stands about 112.5 meters tall.
Daikanransha
Daikanransha is another wheel from Japan. It was completed last 2009. It stands about 115 meters tall.
London Eye
It was opened last 2000 and is currently the tallest wheel in Europe. It stands about 135 meters tall.
Star of Nanchang
Star of Nanchang is China’s Ferris wheel. It was completed last 2006 and stands about 160 meters tall.
Singapore Flyer
Singapore flyer holds the record for the world’s tallest Ferris wheels. It was completed last 2008. It is 165 meters tall.