At the turn of the millennium, London was transformed, and four leading attractions are celebrating a quarter of a century in business this year.
Millennium Dome
In 1999, the government spent £789 million building a giant dome-shaped building in southeast London. Yes, the infamous Millennium Dome – now the O2 Arena – turns 25 this year.
The Dome opened on New Year’s Eve 1999. After its bizarre opening exhibition, which offered an immersive human body experience, circus performers and a cinema, the dome eventually became the O2 as we know it today.
Millennium Bridge
While the once wobbly bridge, which had to close immediately after opening when it was revealed it couldn’t hold the weight of all the people crossing it, is fixed now, it is currently in the midst of a £3.5 million makeover.
London Eye
Back in 2000, the London Eye was the world’s biggest ferris wheel. It was only meant to be temporary, but in May 2024, it officially became a permanent attraction.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern opened its doors to the public on May, 12, 2000; the second gallery, the Switch House, came later, arriving in 2016.