The Eiffel Tower, also known as la Tour Eiffel, stands tall as one of the world’s most recognized symbols of romance and innovation. It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, marking the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and showcasing France’s industrial might.
A Marvel of Engineering:
The tower’s construction was a testament to human ingenuity. Completed in a remarkable two years, two months, and five days, it utilized a staggering 7,300 tons of iron and 2.5 million rivets. Its triumphant presence over the Champs de Mars attracted over two million visitors during the fair.
More Than Meets the Eye:
Despite welcoming over 300 million visitors since its debut, this iconic structure still holds a few secrets. Join us as we explore some fascinating lesser-known facts about the Eiffel Tower.
Hidden Histories and Surprising Facts
A Controversial Creation:
The Eiffel Tower’s design wasn’t universally loved. Before its completion, a letter titled “Protest against the Tower of Monsieur Eiffel” was published in the newspaper Le Temps. Notable figures like Guy de Maupassant, Alexandre Dumas, and other prominent artists signed the letter. They criticized the tower, calling it a “gigantic black factory chimney” and a “stupifying folly” that would dwarf the city’s architectural marvels.
The Eiffel Tower’s Legacy:
The Eiffel Tower defied the protests and has remained a symbol of Paris, standing strong for over a century. It continues to be one of the most visited monuments globally, attracting nearly seven million visitors annually.
A Legacy of Innovation and Enduring Appeal
Eiffel’s Private Sanctuary:
Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s namesake, reserved the top level for himself. He hosted prominent guests like Thomas Edison in a private apartment he designed. This space has been transformed into a recreation of his office, complete with wax figures of Eiffel, his daughter, and Edison. It’s now open to the public.
The Tower’s True Architects:
While the tower bears Eiffel’s name, the actual design was the brainchild of Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, engineers working for his company. They collaborated with French architect Stephen Sauvestre to soften the initial design, which was perceived as too harsh and utilitarian. Their collaboration emerged victorious from a competition featuring over 100 other proposals to choose the main attraction for the 1889 World’s Fair.
A Near Demise:
The Eiffel Tower was initially intended to be a temporary structure, destined for demolition after 20 years. However, Eiffel’s clever incorporation of a radio antenna and wireless telegraph transmitter into the tower’s design saved it. After demonstrating radio’s value to the government in 1910, Eiffel secured a 70-year extension for his lease. By 1980, the tower had become an inseparable symbol of both Paris and France, ensuring its continued existence.
A Brush with Destruction:
During World War II, the Eiffel Tower faced a near-fatal threat. As the Nazis lost their grip on occupied Paris, Adolf Hitler ordered his generals to raze the city. Plans were drawn up to destroy the tower with explosives. Fortunately, Allied troops arrived before the order could be carried out. While subsequent air raids caused damage, the Eiffel Tower managed to survive the war intact.
The Tower’s Unexpected Transformations
From Liberty to Iron Lady:
While designing the Statue of Liberty, sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi sought the guidance of his mentor, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, to design the statue’s internal framework. After Viollet-le-Duc’s passing in 1879, Bartholdi turned to Eiffel and Koechlin, showcasing their expertise in iron construction with Lady Liberty before embarking on the Eiffel Tower.
Housing Businesses and Science:
The Eiffel Tower has played host to various businesses throughout its history, many of which are now gone. The French newspaper Le Figaro occupied an office on the second floor for six months during the 1889 World’s Fair. On the first floor, there was a post office, a radio station, and a wooden theater designed by Sauvestre.
A Laboratory in the Sky:
Eiffel, a passionate scientist, established a meteorology lab on the tower’s third floor. He conducted studies in physics and aerodynamics, even constructing a wind tunnel at the tower’s base. He also made the laboratory available for other scientists to conduct their experiments.
A Moving Monument:
The massive iron structure is designed to withstand wind, causing it to sway during storms. The heat of the sun also affects the tower. As the iron expands, the tower grows by a few centimeters in the summer months. It also leans about six inches away from the sun as the side facing the direct sunlight heats up faster than the other sides.
Hidden Details and Lasting Maintenance
A Tribute to Scientific Minds:
The names of French scientists and engineers from the 19th century are etched onto the Eiffel Tower. Seventy-two names, including Foucault, Dumas, and Perrier, are engraved on the iron surrounding the tower’s first floor. These tributes were painted over in the early 20th century but were restored in the late 1980s and are once again visible.
A Monument of Constant Care:
To combat the effects of air pollution, bird droppings, and rust, a team of 50 specially trained painters diligently maintains the Eiffel Tower. They inspect the structure for corrosion, remove worn sections, apply multiple coats of anti-rust primer, and paint the metallic tower with 60 tons of paint – all by hand, following traditional methods. The entire process can take 18 months to three years, depending on weather conditions.
A Celebration of Light and Elegance
The Tower’s First Light Show:
The Eiffel Tower’s inaugural light show coincided with the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. Automaker Andre Citroën financed a dazzling 200,000-bulb show featuring a shower of stars, alternating Zodiac symbols, comets, and, naturally, his car brand’s name during the finale.
A Sparkling Spectacle:
Sixty years later, another light show emerged, featuring 336 yellow-orange spotlights. The now-famous sparkling light show, consisting of 20,000 bulbs, first illuminated the night sky on New Year’s Eve 1999. It’s now a nightly spectacle, running 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 display at 1 a.m.
A Protected Display:
While the Eiffel Tower itself is in the public domain, its illumination is protected by copyright under French law. This stipulation only applies to professional photography and does not prevent anyone from taking personal pictures of the tower and its enchanting nighttime light display.
A Toast to the City of Lights:
If you’re brave enough to climb the stairs to the top of the tower, treat yourself to a glass of bubbly from the Champagne Bar. There’s no better way to enjoy the spectacular views than with a celebratory sparkle.
A Legacy of Engineering Excellence
Eiffel’s Broad Impact:
Eiffel’s legacy extends beyond the Eiffel Tower. He played a key role in designing numerous bridges, railways, and viaducts throughout Europe. Among his most notable achievements are the Maria Pia bridge in Porto, Portugal, the Nyugati (Western) Railway Station in Budapest, Hungary, the Pont de les Piexateries Velles in Girona, Spain, and the Côte d’Azur Observatory’s dome in Nice, France.
A Reign as the World’s Tallest:
Upon its grand opening in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stood tall as the world’s tallest building, reaching 312 meters (1,024 feet) and surpassing the Washington Monument’s record of 169 meters (554 feet). While New York City’s Chrysler Building (319 meters, 1,046 feet) and the Empire State Building (381 meters, 1,250 feet) later claimed the title, the Eiffel Tower’s 40-year reign as the world’s tallest structure remains a remarkable achievement.
A Lasting Symbol:
The Eiffel Tower stands as a testament to human ingenuity, creativity, and perseverance. It has captured the hearts of millions around the world, becoming an enduring symbol of Paris, France, and the enduring spirit of human achievement.
