The Eiffel Tower has always been a beacon of beauty, and its history is intertwined with dazzling light displays. From early, ambitious experiments to modern energy-efficient innovations, the tower has captivated the world with its illumination.
Early Light Shows: A Gift from Andre Citroen
It all began with a generous donation from Andre Citroen, the founder of the Citroen motor company in Paris. Citroen, enthralled by the idea of a light show, provided the funding for a spectacular display on the Eiffel Tower. In 1925, a device boasting 250,000 light bulbs of various colours was installed, culminating in the first light show on July 4th, 1925.
Citroen’s Legacy: A Shining Name and Timekeeping
Citroen’s influence didn’t stop there. The Citroen name adorned three sides of the tower, visible for miles around. In 1933, Citroen donated a massive 15-meter diameter clock with illuminated hands, adding another dimension to the tower’s visual spectacle.
Evolution of Light Shows: From Costly Brilliance to Modern Efficiency
The initial light shows, while dazzling, proved costly to maintain and were eventually discontinued in 1936. However, the tower’s illumination continued to evolve. In 1937, for the Arts and Techniques Exhibition, a frame was constructed underneath the first-floor platform to hold a grand chandelier. This chandelier boasted 10 kilometers of fluorescent tubes and 30 searchlights, casting reflections of gold, blue, and red across the Parisian skyline.
A New Era of Illumination: Energy-Efficient Beauty
The desire for energy-efficient solutions led to a significant transformation in 1985. A restoration program was undertaken, replacing the old projectors with a new, innovative system. This new system, designed by lighting engineer Pierre Bideau, utilized 336 projectors to illuminate the tower from the bottom, using high-pressure sodium lamps. The top of the tower features eight incandescent projector lamps, contributing to the overall spectacle. This shift resulted in a significant reduction in power consumption, dropping from 620kW to 320kW, though the lamps need replacement every three years.
Celebrating Milestones with Light: A Spectacular Showcase
Beyond the constant glow, the Eiffel Tower has become renowned for its spectacular light shows that mark special occasions. Some of the notable illuminations include:
-
1997: A 1000-day countdown to the Millennium was activated at midnight on April 5th, with a massive 33-meter high, 12-meter wide countdown timer weighing in at 50 tons. This timer, situated 100 meters above the ground, displayed the changing number daily at midnight, illuminated night and day.
-
2000: The Millennium celebrations were marked by a dazzling fireworks display and the unveiling of 20,000 sparkling lights that were turned on for ten minutes every hour during the evenings. The tower was illuminated with the words “Year 2000” throughout the year, transitioning to a blue hue for a few nights at year’s end, celebrating the new millennium.
-
2004: In celebration of the Chinese New Year and the France-China cultural exchange program, the tower was bathed in a red glow for the first time in its history, using external projectors.
-
2006: On May 8th at midnight, the Eiffel Tower turned blue to mark Europe Day.
-
2007: The Eiffel Tower transformed into a green rugby field, complete with an illuminated goal, a 85-meter cross beam, and a 13-meter long rugby ball attached to the second floor, to celebrate the Rugby World Cup. A 120-meter square screen was also installed for people to enjoy the games.
-
2009: The 120th Anniversary of the Eiffel Tower was celebrated with a spectacular light show that ran from October to December. The show incorporated energy-efficient LED lighting on the Trocadero façade, offering a magical display for approximately 10 minutes after the 5-minute sparkle at set hours in the evening.
A Beacon of Beauty and Innovation: The Eiffel Tower’s Enduring Light
The Eiffel Tower continues to captivate visitors with its ever-evolving illumination. From the early days of Citroen-funded brilliance to the modern era of energy-efficient wonder, the tower remains a symbol of elegance and innovation. To truly appreciate the full scope of its illuminations, the Trocadero side offers the best viewpoint, showcasing the tower in all its illuminated glory.
