The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and France, has captivated the world since its construction. But its allure extends beyond daytime, its silhouette becoming even more mesmerizing when illuminated. This article delves into the Tower’s fascinating history of lighting, showcasing the evolution from gaslights to cutting-edge technology.
From Gaslight to Electric Brilliance
In 1889, when the Tower first graced the Parisian skyline, gaslight was the only available form of illumination. Imagine ten thousand gaslights illuminating the Tower’s intricate structure, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for night-time visitors. This early lighting scheme involved spotlights illuminating the Tower from below, while a beacon atop the summit, nestled within a glass rotunda, cast a guiding light. Even the upper level of the third floor boasted two mobile electric spotlights, illuminating the area around Gustave Eiffel’s office, a testament to the early embrace of technology.
The dawn of the 20th century brought electric bulbs, replacing the gaslights and highlighting the Tower’s structural lines with a new brilliance. This transition marked a significant step forward in lighting technology. The 1925 World’s Fair witnessed a bold and innovative lighting project. André Citroën proudly displayed his name in giant luminous letters on the Tower’s sides, thanks to the genius of Fernando Jacopozzi. These letters, a testament to the era’s artistic and technological advancements, adorned the Tower until 1936, with a clock replacing the “E” of Citroën in 1933.
Embracing Modernity: A Tapestry of Light
The 1937 World’s Fair saw a new lighting concept emerge, a brainchild of architect André Granet. This project, concentrating the lights on the Tower’s internal structure, created a mesmerizing pattern of “lace,” crafted from fluorescent tubes. The exterior was illuminated with 30 spotlights, later replaced by 1,290 small lights in 1958, positioned in trenches around the Tower.
A significant milestone in the Tower’s illumination occurred in 1985, as part of its restoration campaign. Lighting engineer Pierre Bideau devised a groundbreaking system using 336 sodium-vapor lights installed within the Tower’s framework. This innovative approach transformed the Tower into a radiant source of light, like a jewel in its case, emitting a beautiful yellowish-orange glow.
This iconic lighting scheme, inaugurated on December 31, 1985, continues to illuminate the Parisian night. In 2004, a reduction in the spotlights’ power from 1000 watts to 600 watts, coupled with improved efficiency, achieved significant energy savings while maintaining the breathtaking visual effect.
A Symphony of Sparkle and Innovation
The year 2000 ushered in a dazzling new addition to the Tower’s illumination: 20,000 sparkling lights, meticulously placed on the Tower’s structure by teams of mountain climbers. These lights, initially intended as a temporary fixture, were taken down in 2001, only to be re-installed the following year. Every hour, on the hour, the lights twinkle for 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute pause to conserve energy.
Simultaneously, the summit beacon was replaced by four spotlights that rotate, creating the illusion of a beacon sweeping around the Tower. This captivating spectacle provides a dynamic and engaging element to the Tower’s nighttime display.
A Constant Evolution: Reflecting a Changing World
The Eiffel Tower’s illumination is not static. It has continuously evolved, adapting to technological advancements and reflecting current events. In 2022, as part of Paris’ energy-saving plan, the Tower’s illumination schedule was adjusted. The golden lights and beacons are now switched off at 11:45 pm, instead of 1 am, aligning with the Tower’s closing time. The sparkling lights now shimmer for the last time at 11 pm.
Beyond the regular lighting, the Tower’s illumination has served as a platform for conveying messages and celebrating special events. For example, it was bathed in red for the year of France in China (2004), blue for Europe (2006), green for the rugby World Cup (2007), and blue with stars for the French presidency of the European Union (2008). It also shone green for COP 21 (2016) and blue, white, and red to commemorate the terrorist attacks in Nice. Each year, the Tower dons a pink hue for “Pink October,” raising awareness for breast cancer. These temporary color transformations demonstrate the Tower’s power to connect with the world and amplify meaningful messages.
The Eiffel Tower’s illumination is a testament to its enduring beauty and its constant evolution. From the early gaslights to the latest energy-efficient technologies, the Tower’s lighting reflects the changing landscape of technology and society. The Tower’s illumination is more than just a source of light; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Paris and its role as a global icon.
