Late 1998
Construction started on the EDF Energy LondonEye, a huge international effort involving hundreds of people.

October 1999
The London Eye was raised over the River Thames.

March 2000
The London Eye officially opened to the public.

This year saw the start of an exciting three-year partnership between the London Eye and EDF Energy, and with it a new vision for London.

Already part of the Mayor's Green500 scheme, which aims to reduce the capital's C02 emissions, the London Eye is now powered by EDF Energy. As Britain's largest producer of low carbon electricity, the energy company has guaranteed that every unit of electricity consumed by the London Eye will be matched with one generated from a low carbon source.

Since its launch in March 2000, the EDF Energy London Eye has won over 80 awards for national and international tourism, accessibility marketing campaigns, business innovation and outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement.

The EDF Energy London Eye is committed to making a contribution to the long-term development of the surrounding community, and to supporting charities through funding and other means.

One per cent of the revenue generated by the London Eye every year is donated back into the community, including local regeneration and charity projects. Organisations ranging from the Florence Nightingale Museum and St Thomas's Hospital to a youth sports coaching programme and a first aid training scheme for local school children have received funding.

In March 2011, the EDF Energy London Eye added the Barracuda to its growing river fleet.

A vintage river cruiser, decked out in opulent Art Deco style, the Barracuda is moored on the South Bank and can be hired as part of private or corporate events taking place at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium or the London Eye.

The EDF Energy London Eye operates a 40-minute circular sightseeing cruise on the River Thames.

The journey begins at the London Eye Millennium pier where passengers embark on the Silver Bonito. The boat has an open-top sun deck which allows for wonderful views of some of London's historic sights, such as the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe and the Millennium Bridge.

Since 2009, visitors have been able to enjoy the perfect prelude to an experience on the EDF Energy London Eye - the 4D Experience. A spectacular 3D film includes the first ever 3D aerial footage of London as well as stunning views of the famous London New Year's Eve fireworks.

Multi-sensory in-theatre effects including wind, snow and a vibrating floor add the extraordinary fourth dimension.

The EDF Energy London Eye is the perfect venue for weddings, celebrations and festive occasions.

In May 2001 the London Eye played host to its first-ever wedding with the happy couple saying 'Eye do' live in front of an audience of five million on GM TV. Since then it has provided a stunning backdrop to about 60 weddings per year.

The EDF Energy London Eye was launched as a corporate entertainment venue at a special event attended by then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in September 2000. Since then it has gained an international reputation for high-profile launches, charitable events and celebrations.

In February 2010, the London Eye showed London's true heart as it turned red and pulsed to launch National Heart Month for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the national heart charity.

Since opening, the EDF Energy London Eye has appeared in many top feature films including Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Wimbledon, Thunderbirds, Woody Allen's Cassandra's Dream, and hugely successful TV programmes such as The Simpsons, Doctor Who, and The Apprentice to mention only a few.