Picture gallery: Millennium Dome

As the Millennium Dome prepares to close for the last time, BBC News Online looks back at some of the images that defined the attraction's topsy-turvy year.

January: After the opening night fiasco when VIP guests were stranded on a station platform, queues build up causing frustration and anger.

January: Superman actor Christopher Reeve visits the Dome.

February: Chief executive Jennie Page carries the can for the disastrous opening night and resigns ...

... Pierre Yves Gerbeau takes over the job, moving from Disneyland Paris where he was vice-president of the parks operation.

February: An unofficial "Gay Day" is held at the Dome when the huge canopy briefly turns pink. Some schools are not amused and cancel planned trips.

March: "PY", as he has become known, welcomes the millionth visitor to the Dome.

May: Another departure, this time British Airways chief Bob Ayling quits as chairman ...

... and another arrival as David Quarmby takes over the chairman's hot-seat. He "moved aside" in September to make way for executive chairman David James.

May: Despite the continuing political rumpus, the Dome has its moments, even though there was disappointment for this young visitor.

Throughout the year, the Dome minister, Lord Falconer, has needed a hard hat amid demands for his resignation over the rising cost of the Dome.

September: The grant of another £47m leads to protests about the level of public money being channelled into the Dome.

November: An operation to steal the world's largest diamond from the Dome is foiled. Ticket sales go through the roof.

This was the target - but the "diamond" on show at the Dome was a fake.

December: The prime minister meets performers as the Dome enters the last month of its life.