The Eiffel Tower, or as the French call it, la Tour Eiffel, has become one of the most recognized landmarks worldwide, symbolizing the charm and ingenuity of Paris. This architectural marvel was designed as the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair, marking the centennial of the French Revolution and showcasing France’s modern industrial prowess.
It was a triumph of engineering, built in a remarkably short time of just two years, two months, and five days. The civil engineering company of Gustave Eiffel used an impressive 7,300 tons of iron and 2.5 million rivets to construct this towering masterpiece. Standing tall over the Champs de Mars, it drew over two million visitors during the fair.
This iconic landmark has captivated millions, but there’s more to the Eiffel Tower than meets the eye. Despite welcoming over 300 million visitors since its debut, La Dame de Fer still holds some secrets. Let’s dive into some little-known facts about this famous structure.
From Controversial Beginnings to Global Fame
While the Eiffel Tower’s silhouette is now emulated globally, from Las Vegas to Prague, its design wasn’t universally adored. Before its completion, a letter titled “Protest against the Tower of Monsieur Eiffel” was published in the newspaper Le Temps, signed by notable figures like Guy de Maupassant, Alexandre Dumas, and other prominent artists. They condemned the tower as a “gigantic black factory chimney, its barbarous mass overwhelming and humiliating all our monuments and belittling our works of architecture, which will just disappear before this stupefying folly.”
Despite the opposition, the Eiffel Tower defied the critics and stood the test of time. It has become one of the most visited monuments globally, drawing almost seven million visitors annually.
Behind the Scenes: Hidden Gems and Unexpected Histories
Gustave Eiffel reserved the top level of the tower for himself, creating a private apartment where he hosted renowned guests like Thomas Edison. This space has been transformed into a recreation of his office, featuring wax figures of himself, his daughter, and Edison, and is now open to the public.
Interestingly, while the tower bears his name, it was actually designed by two of his company’s engineers, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier. They commissioned the French architect Stephen Sauvestre to enhance the tower’s aesthetics, addressing public concerns about its initial utilitarian design. Their innovative vision triumphed over more than 100 other entries in the competition to select the main attraction of the 1889 World’s Fair.
A Tower with a Past: From Near Demolition to Scientific Experimentation
The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure. Built to showcase France’s industrial prowess, it was meant to be demolished after 20 years. However, Eiffel cleverly incorporated a radio antenna and wireless telegraph transmitter into the design. After demonstrating the usefulness of radio to the government in 1910, Eiffel secured a 70-year extension on his lease. By 1980, the Eiffel Tower had become an inseparable symbol of both Paris and France, permanently securing its place in history.
The tower’s history is not without its dramatic turns. During World War II, Adolf Hitler ordered his generals to destroy Paris, including plans to detonate explosives at the Eiffel Tower. Fortunately, Allied troops arrived before the order could be carried out. While the tower survived the war intact, it did suffer some damage during subsequent air raids.
Beyond its visual grandeur, the Eiffel Tower has also played a role in scientific exploration. Eiffel, a dedicated scientist, established a meteorology lab on the third floor, where he conducted studies in physics and aerodynamics. He even built a wind tunnel at the tower’s base. Eiffel generously allowed other scientists to utilize his lab for their research.
From Paint to Lights: The Constant Maintenance and Dazzling Displays
The Eiffel Tower’s upkeep is a constant undertaking. To combat the effects of pollution, bird droppings, and rust, a team of 50 specially trained painters diligently maintain the structure. They regularly inspect the tower for corrosion, remove worn sections, apply multiple layers of anti-rust primer, and repaint the metallic tower with 60 tons of paint—all done manually, just as it was in Eiffel’s time. The entire process can take between 18 months to three years, depending on weather conditions.
The Eiffel Tower’s first light show coincided with the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in 1925. Automaker Andre Citröen sponsored a spectacle featuring 200,000 bulbs that illuminated a shower of stars, alternating Zodiac symbols, comets, and—fittingly—his car brand’s name during the finale.
Six decades later, a show featuring 336 yellow-orange spotlights lit up the tower. The now iconic sparkling light show, featuring 20,000 bulbs, debuted on New Year’s Eve of 1999, marking the new millennium. This dazzling display can be enjoyed nightly for the first five minutes of every hour starting at 8 p.m. (depending on the time of year and darkness), with a 10-minute grand finale at 1 a.m.
While the Eiffel Tower itself is in the public domain, its illumination is protected by copyright under French law. However, this stipulation only applies to professional photographs. Snapping personal photos of the Eiffel Tower and its spectacular nighttime light show is completely legal.
Beyond the Tower: Eiffel’s Legacy
While Eiffel is renowned for his iconic tower and his contribution to the Statue of Liberty, his achievements extend far beyond these two structures. He was a pioneer in bridge, railway, and viaduct design across Europe, leaving his mark on architectural marvels such as the Maria Pia bridge in Porto, Portugal; Nyugati (Western) Railway Station in Budapest, Hungary; Pont de les Piexateries Velles in Girona, Spain; and the Côte d’Azur Observatory’s dome in Nice, France.
A Monumental Legacy
The Eiffel Tower once held the title of the tallest building in the world. At its inauguration in 1889, it stood proudly at 312 meters (1,024 feet), surpassing the Washington Monument’s record of 169 meters (554 feet). While the tower relinquished this title to the Chrysler Building (319 meters, 1,046 feet) in 1929 and later to the Empire State Building (381 meters, 1,250 feet) in 1931, it is still a remarkable feat to have held the title for 40 years.
The Eiffel Tower is more than just a stunning landmark; it is a symbol of ingenuity, perseverance, and the enduring beauty of Paris. This remarkable structure continues to captivate generations, forever etched in our collective memory. Whether you’re marveling at its imposing silhouette or mesmerized by its dazzling light show, the Eiffel Tower remains a timeless icon, reminding us of the extraordinary achievements of human creativity.
