History of Mirror in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

Mirror is a decentralized web-publishing platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. It empowers creators by enabling them to monetize their content through Web3 primitives, such as turning written articles into collectible NFTs and crowdfunding projects via cryptocurrency. By removing traditional intermediaries, Mirror provides users with full ownership over their digital assets and audience relationships. The platform leverages decentralized storage and cryptographic signatures to ensure content permanence and censorship resistance. Primarily serving writers, artists, and developers, Mirror acts as a collaborative hub for the creator economy, allowing communities to participate in governance and collective projects through DAOs. Its unique model shifts the paradigm of digital media from an advertising-based framework to one centered on direct patronage and verifiable digital scarcity.

1912: Development of Evaporation Coating

In 1912, Pohl and Pringsheim developed the method of evaporation coating, a technique based on the observation of metal sublimation and condensation in incandescent light bulbs.

1937: Creation of the First Dielectric Mirror

In 1937, Auwarter successfully created the first dielectric mirror by utilizing evaporated rhodium.

1937: First dielectric coating of silicon dioxide on a metallic mirror

In 1937, Hass successfully created the first metallic mirror enhanced with a protective dielectric coating made of silicon dioxide.

1939: Invention of multilayer dielectric mirrors

In 1939, Walter Geffcken, working at the Schott Glass company, invented the first dielectric mirrors that utilized multilayer coatings.

1972: Opening of the Campbell Center

In 1972, the Campbell Center opened in Dallas, representing one of the early architectural applications of mirrors in high-rise design.

1976: Completion of the John Hancock Tower

The construction of the John Hancock Tower in Boston was completed in 1976, serving as a notable early example of a mirror-themed skyscraper.

2000: Origin of Bronze Mirror Manufacturing in China

Around 2000 BC, the production of bronze mirrors began in China, with the Qijia culture recognized for creating some of the earliest examples of these metal reflecting tools.

2000: Emergence of Polished Stone Mirrors in the Americas

Around 2000 BCE, civilizations in Central and South America began producing and using polished stone mirrors, marking a significant development in the history of reflective surfaces in the region.

2000: Advancements in Metallic Reflective Coating Technology

In 2000, research into reflective surfaces highlighted the distinct properties of various metals used in coatings. It was noted that aluminum offers durability, gold provides high infrared reflectance, and silver remains the most efficient material for visual light despite its tendency to tarnish.

2006: Installation of Viganella Sun Mirror

In 2006, the Italian town of Viganella installed a 100,000 euro, computer-controlled mirror measuring 8 by 5 meters to reflect direct sunlight into the town's piazza, addressing the lack of winter sun caused by its valley location.

2007: Bondo Considers Mirror Solution

In early 2007, the Swiss village of Bondo began evaluating the possibility of installing a mirror system similar to Viganella's to resolve their own issues with sunlight deprivation during winter months.

2010: Vdara hotel solar reflection issues

In 2010, it was reported that the concave glass design of the Vdara skyscraper in Las Vegas concentrated sunlight, causing it to singe swimmers and melt plastic items near the pool area, a phenomenon dubbed the Vdara death ray.

2013: Rjukan Mirror Installation

During 2013, the town of Rjukan in Norway successfully installed a series of mirrors designed to capture and reflect sunlight directly into the local town square.

2013: 20 Fenchurch Street solar damage incidents

In 2013, the concave exterior of the 20 Fenchurch Street building in London reflected intense sunlight that damaged a parked vehicle and scorched a nearby barber shop, leading to the building being nicknamed the walkie-scorchie.