Ferris wheels are aesthetic, perfect and romantic, and its every colorful chamber hides a love story in a quiet corner of the noisy city. When it comes to Ferris Wheel, we would always think of the colors of romance. It is a favorite entertainment to both lovers and families.

Ferris Wheel

After boarding on the wheel, the riders are rotated up slowly, where they can have a bird-view on the sceneries around.

Every chamber is loaded with happiness

In Expo 1893 Chicago, the “Midway Plaisance” separated from the main pavilion was a pioneer, wherein the Ferris Wheel comparable to the Eiffel Tower in Paris was regarded as the triumph of engineering technology, and known as the origin of Ferris wheels.

The 3D printed model of the Ferris wheel was exhibited in Permanent Exhibition Hall 2 titled “Moving with Progress” in the World Expo Museum.

Construction Story

Poster of Expo 1893 Chicago

At the end of the nineteenth century, the American economy was booming, and various recreation facilities were emerging like bamboo after spring rain, and people began to pursue entertainment. It was decided to build the “Midway Plaisance” during Expo 1893 to create and highlight the atmosphere of entertainment to reflect the features of the city. Because Chicago was not famous at that time, how to make use of World Expo to deeply impress the people of the world was a big headache for the people of Chicago.

recreation facility

Expo 1893 Chicago

The organizers received requests from entertainment suppliers, restaurants, acrobatics, magic and music groups at the preparatory stage of Expo Chicago. At last, the organizers decided toconcentrate all the entertainment activities on a narrow passage between Jackson Park and Washington Park, and named it as “Midway Plaisance”.

Expo 1893 Chicago

The amusement park titled “Midway Plaisance” became the most successful and most famous entertainment area in the Expo history.One design was very eye-catching among thousands of design proposals collected by the authority of Chicago that was Ferris Wheel designed by George Ferris. The wheel was about 80.4 meters (264 inches) high and 2,200 tons in weight. 2,160 people could ride on it at the same time.

Ferris Wheel

It was built to compete with the Eiffel Tower, a landmark built in 1889 in Pairs, France.The Ferris wheel is the pioneer of all Ferris wheels.

A Rotary Banknote Printing Machine

Ferris Wheel under construction

When the huge Ferris Wheel first appeared in front of everyone, the visitors got unprecedentedly curious and excited. The majestic Wheel had 38 comfortable seats made of fur fabrics in each chamber, and additional 22 persons could also stand inside. The Ferris Wheel could accommodate 2,160 people at one time. It took 20 minutes to rotate for one round.

Expo 1893 Chicago

For Expo 1893 Chicago, the Ferris wheel was like a rotary banknote printing machine. Visitors boarded on round after round to view the scenery, and 4,000 riders boarded on within one hour at most. At Expo 1893 Chicago, visitors only needed to pay 50 cents for one 20-minute ride on the wheel. People were not mean to spend the 50 cents, even if it was not cheap at that time. Some people even rode for several rounds just to experience the totally different feeling. As one rider said, “I’ve never bought anything worth far more than 50 cents in my life”.

Visitors to ride Ferris Wheel

The Ferris Wheel lifted more than 1.6 million visitors at Expo 1893 Chicago. Once more, it lit up people’s inspiration and hope, and gave a rebirth to the city of Chicago.

Diversified Modern Ferris Wheels

Nowadays Ferris wheels are most commonly seen in amusement parks (or themed parks). As amusement rides, Ferris wheel, Roller Coaster and “Merry-Go-Round” are known as the “Three Treasures in Amusement Parks”.

Wiener Riesenrad (Vienna Giant Wheel)

The Wiener Riesenrad is the only Ferris wheel built in the 19^th century to survive till now. It is still in operation till today. Also being a Ferris wheel of the civilized world, the “London Eye”has become a landmark in London.

 “London Eye”

As a pioneer of modern Ferris wheels, the Ferris wheel began to get popular in everywhere of the world since then. At present, nearly every city owns a tall Ferris wheel, which has become an important symbol of many large-sized Carnivals and entertainment places.