The Roue de Paris, also known as the Paris Ferris Wheel, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the City of Love. The giant wheel was first erected in 1900, for the World Exposition held in Paris that year. It was an instant success and quickly became a beloved attraction among both locals and tourists.
But where is the Roue de Paris now? Is it still standing somewhere in the city or has it been dismantled? Let’s find out.
As of today, the Roue de Paris is no longer located at its original spot on the Place de la Concorde. In fact, it hasn’t been there since 1920. After serving as a popular attraction for almost two decades, the wheel was dismantled and sold to a Spanish businessman named Torres Quevedo.
Quevedo had plans to transport the wheel to Madrid and set it up there as a permanent attraction. However, due to financial difficulties, he was unable to carry out his plan and sold the wheel to a British company called The Great Wheel Corporation.
The Great Wheel Corporation transported the Roue de Paris to Earl’s Court in London, where it was reassembled and opened to visitors in 1895. The Ferris wheel remained at Earl’s Court for over two decades before being dismantled again in 1906.
After being sold several times and transported across different locations around Europe, including Vienna and Blackpool, the Roue de Paris eventually ended up in Australia. In 1935, it was reassembled on Manly Beach near Sydney and operated as an amusement ride for several years.
However, due to safety concerns and financial difficulties faced by its owners, the Roue de Paris was dismantled once again in 1955. Its parts were sold off individually as scrap metal.
Today, there are no remaining parts of the original Roue de Paris left standing anywhere in the world. However, the legacy of this iconic Ferris wheel lives on through various replicas and tributes.
In 1999, a replica of the Roue de Paris was built in Tokyo as part of an urban redevelopment project. The new wheel, called the Nippon Moon, stands at 115 meters tall and has become a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike.
Another tribute to the Roue de Paris can be seen in Las Vegas. The High Roller, which opened in 2014, is currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the world at 167 meters tall. Its design is heavily inspired by the Parisian landmark and features illuminated cabins that offer stunning views of the city.
In conclusion, while the original Roue de Paris may no longer exist, its impact on popular culture and amusement park history cannot be denied. From its humble beginnings at the World Exposition in 1900 to its various iterations around the world today, this giant wheel continues to inspire awe and wonder among people of all ages.