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.
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 structure marked a new era of observation wheels, integrating advanced engineering techniques and high-capacity cabins capable of hosting events and dining experiences.
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.
Larger transportable wheels are designed to be repeatedly dismantled and rebuilt, some using water ballast instead of the permanent foundations of their fixed counterparts.