From its very inception, the Eiffel Tower has captivated the world with its magnificent presence, especially at night. How could such an iconic structure be hidden from view after sunset?
Gaslight Beginnings
In 1889, when the Tower first opened its gates, gas was the sole source of illumination. The engineers skillfully harnessed this technology, installing a staggering ten thousand gaslights to accentuate the Tower’s intricate design. Spotlights bathed the structure in a warm glow from the ground, while a beacon atop the Tower, encased in a glass rotunda and topped with a small dome, guided travelers from afar. Two mobile electric spotlights, mounted on rails, could be moved around the upper level of the third floor, highlighting the space where Gustave Eiffel himself worked.
Electricity Enters the Stage
The dawn of the 20th century brought with it the advancement of electric technology, which revolutionized the Tower’s illumination. Electric bulbs replaced the gaslights, emphasizing the Tower’s structural lines with a modern brilliance. The 1925 World’s Fair saw a unique collaboration, where André Citroën’s name was emblazoned in giant, luminous letters on three sides of the Tower, thanks to the ingenuity of Fernando Jacopozzi. This bold display graced the Tower until 1936, with a clock added to the “E” of Citroën in 1933.
A Journey Through Illumination
The 1937 World’s Fair inspired another innovative approach to the Tower’s lighting, conceived by architect André Granet, who was married to one of Gustave Eiffel’s granddaughters. Granet focused the lights on the Tower’s internal structure, highlighting the space beneath the first floor and between the four pillars. Fluorescent tubes created a delicate, almost lace-like pattern. Thirty spotlights cast their light upon the Tower from the exterior. In 1958, these were replaced by 1,290 smaller lights, strategically positioned around the Tower in trenches.
A Golden Transformation
A pivotal moment in the Tower’s illumination came in 1985, during a major restoration campaign. Lighting engineer Pierre Bideau designed a spectacular system using 336 sodium-vapor lights installed within the structure. This innovative approach transformed the Tower into a luminous beacon, radiating a warm yellowish-orange glow, like a jewel in its case. This system remains in place today, captivating visitors with its enchanting brilliance.
Twinkling Lights and a Rotating Beacon
The Tower’s illumination continued to evolve in the 21st century. Starting in 2000, 20,000 sparkling lights were added to the Tower’s structure, creating a mesmerizing twinkling effect. Though initially intended as a temporary feature, these lights were removed and then reintroduced the following year. They twinkle for ten minutes every hour, from 1 am to 10 pm, saving energy while adding a touch of magic to the night. In addition to the sparkling lights, the beacon atop the Tower was replaced with four spotlights that sweep a quarter of the horizon, creating the illusion of a beacon rotating around the summit.
A Legacy of Illumination
The Eiffel Tower’s illumination has become a powerful symbol, evolving alongside its own history and reflecting the events of the world around it. The Tower has been illuminated in red for France’s year in China, blue for Europe, green for the Rugby World Cup, and blue with stars for the French presidency of the European Union. In 2016, it was lit in green again for COP 21 and in the colors of the French flag to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks in Nice. Each year, the Tower dons a pink hue in support of the “Pink October” campaign to fight breast cancer. The Tower’s illumination has become a powerful tool for conveying messages to a global audience, whether through vibrant displays or a simple dimming of the lights to mark a moment of mourning.
The Tower’s illumination has become a powerful symbol, evolving alongside its own history and reflecting the events of the world around it. The Tower has been illuminated in red for France’s year in China, blue for Europe, green for the Rugby World Cup, and blue with stars for the French presidency of the European Union. In 2016, it was lit in green again for COP 21 and in the colors of the French flag to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks in Nice. Each year, the Tower dons a pink hue in support of the “Pink October” campaign to fight breast cancer. The Tower’s illumination has become a powerful tool for conveying messages to a global audience, whether through vibrant displays or a simple dimming of the lights to mark a moment of mourning.
A Future of Illumination
The Eiffel Tower continues to be a beacon of innovation, adapting its illumination to embrace new technology and energy-saving practices. In September 2022, the City of Paris implemented an energy-saving plan, adjusting the Tower’s lighting times. The golden lights and beacons are now switched off at 11:45 pm instead of 1 am, and the sparkling lights have their last performance at 11 pm.
The Eiffel Tower’s illumination is a captivating tapestry of history, technology, and symbolism. From its gaslight beginnings to its modern, energy-efficient brilliance, the Tower’s illumination tells a story of constant evolution and adaptation. As we gaze upon its dazzling spectacle, we witness a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of light.
