The Eiffel Tower is a beacon of beauty, especially after sunset. The Tower’s elegant silhouette is illuminated by a system of golden lights, designed to create a breathtaking spectacle. Every evening, once darkness falls, the lights switch on, bathing the structure in a warm, inviting glow.
A Timetable of Twinkling
You might be wondering, when do the lights come on? Well, the golden lights activate at dusk, using light sensors to determine when it’s dark enough. Once the lights are switched on, a mesmerizing display begins. For the first five minutes of every hour, the entire Tower sparkles with 20,000 shimmering lights, adding another layer of enchantment to the scene.
The Eiffel Tower’s beacon, which is positioned at the top of the structure, also activates at sunset. It is comprised of four powerful lights that rotate in a synchronized dance, creating a cross-shaped beam of light that illuminates the Parisian skyline.
A Nighttime Symphony
If you are in the city at night, you can’t miss the Eiffel Tower’s magical spectacle! Whether you are strolling along the Seine or visiting the Tower itself, you will be captivated by the enchanting glow of the lights.
The best place to experience the show is from the Tower’s second floor, where you can look up at the twinkling spire. And if you are looking for a unique experience, try climbing the stairs to the top of the Tower, where the beacon shines brilliantly above the Parisian landscape.
A Golden History
The Tower’s golden lighting system was inaugurated on December 31, 1985, and designed by renowned lighting engineer Pierre Bideau. It comprises 336 spotlights fitted with yellow-orange high-pressure sodium bulbs. This innovative system uses lights positioned inside the Tower’s structure to illuminate it from within, creating a dramatic and captivating effect.
The lights are not just for show! They are also essential for the Tower’s safety and functionality, providing vital illumination for visitors and staff.
A Beacon of Modernity
The Eiffel Tower’s beacon and sparkles were unveiled on New Year’s Eve 1999, adding another dimension to the iconic monument’s nighttime splendor. The beacon, two beams of light with a 50-mile range, is a modern interpretation of the original beacon that was once positioned atop the Tower, designed by Gustav Eiffel.
The beacon’s technology is equally impressive. It’s controlled by a sophisticated computerized system that utilizes four powerful, motorized floodlights with xenon bulbs. These bulbs are strategically placed and equipped with ventilation systems to prevent overheating, and they are designed to operate for thousands of hours.
The sparkles are another captivating feature of the Tower’s nighttime display. The 20,000 lights that create the sparkle effect are positioned on all four sides of the Tower and controlled by a random activation system. This intricate system allows for a mesmerizing visual experience as the lights turn on and off in short bursts, creating a dazzling and ever-changing spectacle.
The next time you are in Paris, be sure to witness the magic of the Eiffel Tower at night. You’ll be enchanted by the warm golden lights, the mesmerizing sparkles, and the iconic beacon that reaches for the sky!
