THE HISTORY OF THE EIFFEL TOWER
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most iconic monuments, symbolizing Paris’s elegance and innovation. The tower was built for the 1889 World’s Exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and present France’s industrial strengths.
The name
The Eiffel Tower got its name after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who led the team that built it. His engineering company was responsible for its construction, with significant contributions from his colleagues, such as architect Stephen Sauvestre, Stephen Maurice Koechlin, and Emile Nouguier. The tower was named in his honor because of his leadership in the project and his important role in its success. The name “Eiffel Tower” has since become synonymous with both the structure itself and the city of Paris.
The beginning
The first construction works on the tower began in January 1887, led by Gustave Eiffel and his team. Eiffel’s team won the competition to design the centerpiece for the 1889 Exhibition. Starting in January 1887, around 300 workers spent over two years building the Eiffel Tower. At 300 meters, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time.
The major attraction at the Exposition Universelle
The building was completed on March 15, 1889, just in time for the Exposition Universelle in Paris. It officially opened on March 31, 1889, with a grand ceremony where the French flag was raised at the top. The first floor featured four themed restaurants – Russian, Anglo-American, French, and Flemish – along with shops selling souvenirs, photography booths, binocular rentals, and refreshments.
The Exposition Universelle drew millions of visitors, with nearly 2 million coming specifically to see the Eiffel Tower, averaging 12,000 daily. In the first week, almost 30,000 visitors climbed the 1,710 steps to the top of the tower. On May 26, 1889, lifts began operating, making the tower more accessible.
Rescued by science
The Eiffel Tower was initially planned to be dismantled 20 years after its construction; Gustave Eiffel saved it from demolition by proposing that the tower serve a scientific purpose and be used as a meteorology laboratory for measurements and scientific experiments. He also set his office on the third floor to conduct research and make astronomical and physiological observations.
Intercepting Enemy Signals in WWII
Originally intended as a temporary structure, the Eiffel Tower was kept for its value in radio communications. During World War II, it became crucial for the French military, who used its wireless station to intercept enemy signals, aiding Allied forces. This strategic use highlighted the tower’s importance well beyond its initial exhibition purpose.
Eiffel as an advertising billboard
From 1925 to 1934, the Eiffel Tower displayed a Citroën ad made of 250,000 light bulbs, visible from miles away. This ad won a Guinness World Record for being the largest in the world, sparking debates about preserving cultural heritage and public spaces.
Closed During Nazi Occupation
During World War II and the occupation of Paris by Nazi Germany, the tower was closed to the public, and the lift cables were cut, leaving it inaccessible.
Modernization and popularity
Between 1945 and 2000, the Eiffel Tower became a world-famous symbol and popular tourist spot. In 1957, a TV antenna was added to update it, and by its 100th anniversary in 1989, it had major repairs and a big light show. By 2000, the tower was the main highlight of the millennium celebrations with a stunning fireworks display.
New millennium
The Eiffel Tower welcomed the new millennium with a huge light show and 20,000 sparkling lights, which still shine every evening. In 2017, security was improved with bulletproof glass and metal fencing. For its 130th anniversary in 2019, the tower hosted special events, exhibitions, and light shows, celebrating its iconic status worldwide.
Eiffel Tower today
Since opening, the Eiffel Tower has welcomed nearly 250 million visitors, becoming a symbol of France and an icon of Paris. It now attracts about seven million visitors annually, making it the world’s most popular paid-entry monument. Impressively, two original lifts from 1889 are still in use. Most recently, during the Paris 2025 Olympics opening ceremony, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with lights and served as a backdrop for performances and fireworks.
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