From its very inception, the Eiffel Tower has been a prominent landmark, particularly at night. It was quite remarkable to witness the Tower bathed in light even before electricity was widely available.
Illuminating the Iron Lady: From Gas to Electric
When the Tower was unveiled in 1889, gas lighting was the only option, as electric lights were still in their infancy. A staggering ten thousand gaslights were installed, highlighting the Tower’s intricate structure. Spotlights illuminated it from below, while a beacon perched atop the summit, encased in a glass rotunda, added another layer of brilliance. Even mobile electric spotlights were deployed on tracks, rotating around the upper level of the third floor, including Eiffel’s office.
The advancement of electricity in the early 1900s led to a modernization of the Tower’s lighting system. Gaslights were replaced with electric bulbs, further accentuating the Tower’s elegant framework.
The 1925 World’s Fair marked a unique moment in the Tower’s history. André Citroën, a prominent industrialist, had his name emblazoned on three sides of the Tower in gigantic, luminous letters, a testament to the creativity of Fernando Jacopozzi. These letters graced the Tower until 1936, with a clock added to the “E” of Citroën in 1933.
Evolving Illuminations: From Lace Patterns to Sparkling Lights
The 1937 World’s Fair sparked another imaginative lighting project. Architect André Granet, married to one of Gustave Eiffel’s granddaughters, envisioned a new approach. The focus shifted to highlighting the Tower’s internal structure, with fluorescent tubes creating a delicate “lace” pattern beneath the first floor and between the four pillars. Thirty spotlights illuminated the Tower from the exterior, replaced in 1958 by 1,290 smaller lights strategically positioned around the Tower in trenches.
The most significant innovation in the Tower’s lighting occurred in 1985, coinciding with a major restoration campaign. Lighting engineer Pierre Bideau designed a system using 336 sodium-vapor lights, embedded within the Tower’s structure. This transformative approach made the Tower itself the source of light, radiating a captivating yellowish-orange glow, like a jewel in its casing.
This lighting system, inaugurated on December 31st, 1985, continues to illuminate the Tower today. In 2004, the spotlights’ wattage was reduced from 1000W to 600W, while maintaining the same aesthetic effect, resulting in significant energy savings.
Adding another layer of sparkle, 20,000 twinkling lights were installed directly on the Tower’s structure in 2000, a temporary addition that became a beloved feature. They twinkle for 10 minutes, then for five minutes every hour until 1 am, saving energy while adding an extra layer of charm. The summit’s beacon was also replaced with four spotlights that sequentially illuminate the horizon, creating the illusion of a rotating beacon.
A Symbolic Beacon: Marking Events and Sending Messages
The Eiffel Tower’s lighting has evolved beyond mere illumination, becoming a powerful symbolic tool. It has been adorned with various colors and patterns to commemorate important events, global celebrations, and even express solidarity in times of grief. In 2004, the Tower glowed red in celebration of France’s year in China; in 2006, it was draped in blue for Europe; in 2007, it shone green for the Rugby World Cup; in 2008, it displayed a blue sky dotted with stars, signifying France’s presidency of the European Union. In 2016, it donned green again for COP 21, and blue, white, and red to honor those affected by the terrorist attacks in Nice. Every year, it wears pink for “Pink October,” raising awareness for breast cancer. The Tower’s lighting, or even its absence, has become a powerful way to convey messages to a global audience.
A Modern Approach to Sustainability
In line with the City of Paris’s energy-saving initiatives, the Eiffel Tower’s lighting schedule is being adjusted. Starting September 23rd, 2022, the golden lights and beacons will be switched off earlier, at 11:45 pm, rather than 1 am, coinciding with the Tower’s closing time. The sparkling lights will have their final twinkle at 11 pm. This change underscores the Tower’s commitment to environmental sustainability while continuing to mesmerize visitors with its iconic glow.
The Eiffel Tower: A Constant Source of Wonder
From its early gaslight illuminations to its current energy-efficient system, the Eiffel Tower’s lighting has evolved, reflecting technological advancements and evolving societal values. Its lights have served as a beacon of progress, a symbol of national pride, and a powerful medium for communicating messages of solidarity and remembrance. As the Tower continues to stand tall, its illuminations will undoubtedly continue to captivate generations to come, reminding us of its enduring legacy and the timeless allure of this iconic landmark.
