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2024-02-15 22:00:14

Eiffel Tower

Iconic Parisian landmark and tourist attraction
Iconic Parisian landmark and tourist attraction
The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 for the World's Fair. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it stands at 300 meters and is a symbol of France.
1884-09-18
Eiffel's Patent Registration for Tower Project
On September 18, 1884, Gustave Eiffel registered a patent for a new configuration that would enable the construction of metal supports and pylons exceeding a height of 300 metres, equivalent to 1000 feet.
1886
Construction of the Eiffel Tower
The construction of the Eiffel Tower began in 1886 and was completed in 1889. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was initially met with criticism but later became an iconic symbol of France and a masterpiece of engineering.
1887-01-26
First Digging Work Started
The digging work for the construction of the Eiffel Tower began on January 26, 1887.
1887-01-28
Commencement of Construction Works
On January 28th, 1887, the construction works for the Eiffel Tower officially started.
1887-02-14
Eiffel's Response to Artists' Protest
In an interview with the newspaper Le Temps on February 14, 1887, Gustave Eiffel defended the artistic value of the Eiffel Tower. He emphasized that as an engineer, he also valued beauty, elegance, solidity, and durability in his constructions. Eiffel highlighted the importance of wind resistance in designing the Tower.
1887-07-01
Commencement of Eiffel Tower Support Assembly
The construction of the Eiffel Tower supports started on July 1, 1887, following a meticulous mathematical design by Gustave Eiffel to optimize wind resistance.
1888-04-01
Completion of First Stage
By April 1st, 1888, the first stage of the Eiffel Tower construction was successfully completed.
1888-08-14
Completion of Second Stage
The second stage of the Eiffel Tower construction was finished on August 14th, 1888.
1889
Eiffel Tower Construction
The Eiffel Tower, constructed in 1889, is a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
1889-03-15
Completion of the Eiffel Tower construction
The construction of the Eiffel Tower was completed on March 15, 1889. It was built for the World Fair and has since become an iconic symbol of Paris.
1889-03-31
Construction of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is built in Paris for the Paris exposition, becoming an iconic symbol of the city.
1889-03-31
Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower
On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was officially opened to the public. Gustave Eiffel climbed the 1,710 steps to the top of the Tower to hoist the French flag at its summit, marking a significant moment in French history.
1889-05-06
Opening of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was opened for public access on May 6, 1889.
1889-05-15
Opening of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, initially called the 300-meter Tower, was opened to the public on May 15, 1889, coinciding with the World's Fair. Despite initial controversy in the art world, the tower's daring architecture and design quickly captivated visitors and Parisians.
1889-07-14
Bastille Day Fireworks at Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower hosted grandiose fireworks on July 14, known as 'Bastille Day', a significant national celebration in France.
1889-09-10
Thomas Edison's Visit to the Eiffel Tower
On September 10, 1889, Thomas Edison visited the Eiffel Tower and left a message in the guest book praising Gustave Eiffel's engineering masterpiece.
1900
Eiffel Tower success at the Universal Exposition
The Eiffel Tower continued its success during the 1900 Universal Exposition, solidifying its iconic status. Gustave Eiffel worked to demonstrate the Tower's scientific utility through various experiments.
1902
Lightning Strike on the Eiffel Tower
In 1902, the Eiffel Tower was struck by lightning, leading to the reconstruction of 100m of the top and replacement of damaged lights that illuminate the tower.
1908-01-19
Tower Maintenance Decision
On January 19, 1908, officials decided to keep the tower up.
1909
Eiffel Tower Nearly Torn Down
In 1909, the Eiffel Tower, originally intended as a temporary exhibit, was almost torn down and scrapped. However, city officials decided to save it after realizing its importance as a radiotelegraph station.
1910
Discovery of Cosmic Rays by Father Theodor Wulf
In 1910, Father Theodor Wulf conducted observations of radiant energy from the top and bottom of the Eiffel Tower. He found more radiant energy at the top than expected, leading to the discovery of cosmic rays.
1911
Scientific Experiment at the Eiffel Tower
In 1911, German physicist Theodor Wulf conducted an experiment at the Eiffel Tower's top to observe higher levels of radiation compared to its base, detecting cosmic rays. This highlighted the tower's significance beyond its architectural beauty.
1912-02-04
Franz Reichelt Jumps off the Eiffel Tower
On February 4, 1912, Franz Reichelt tragically jumped off the Eiffel Tower in an attempt to test a wearable parachute he had designed. The event ended in tragedy as the parachute failed to deploy, resulting in his death.
1913-11-20
Wireless Signal Exchange Between Paris Observatory and US Naval Observatory
On November 20, 1913, the Paris Observatory utilized the Eiffel Tower as an antenna to exchange wireless signals with the United States Naval Observatory in Arlington, Virginia. The purpose of this communication was to measure the difference in longitude between Paris and Washington, DC.
1915-10-16
Parachute Test Tragedy at Eiffel Tower
Franz intended to conduct a parachute test using dummies at the Eiffel Tower, but decided to jump himself. Despite warnings, he jumped from the tower and tragically crashed to his death when the parachute failed to deploy.
1917
Eiffel Tower's Role in World War I
During World War I, the French military utilized the Eiffel Tower for wireless communication with ships in the Atlantic Ocean and for intercepting enemy messages. The tower also played a crucial role in capturing the notorious spy Mata Hari, leading to its increased significance among the French people.
1925
Eiffel Tower Illumination
The Eiffel Tower was illuminated for the first time in 1925, thanks to the efforts of electrical engineer Fernand Jacopozzi. The lighting was financed by Citroen, turning the tower into a prominent billboard.
1929
Topping off of the Chrysler Building
The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world until the topping off of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1929. The Chrysler Building surpassed the height of the Eiffel Tower, becoming the new tallest structure.
1930
Eiffel Tower loses title of world's tallest structure
In 1930, the Eiffel Tower lost the title of the world's tallest structure when the Chrysler Building was completed in New York City.
1931
Eiffel Tower's Reign as Tallest Building
The Eiffel Tower remained the tallest building in the world for 40 years until the Empire State Building was constructed in New York in 1931, reaching a height of 1,000 feet.
1935
Eiffel Tower as Communication Transmitter
In 1935, the Eiffel Tower began broadcasting animated images through its powerful transmitter. It played a crucial role during World War II and was modernized for communication purposes.
1940-07-07
Eiffel Tower Closed for WWII
On July 7, 1940, the Eiffel Tower was closed due to the outbreak of World War II. This closure was part of the wartime measures taken to ensure the safety and security of the iconic landmark.
1944-08
Eiffel Tower Saved from Destruction
In August 1944, as the Allies were approaching Paris, Hitler ordered General Dietrich von Choltitz to destroy the Eiffel Tower and the city, but Von Choltitz refused to carry out the order.
1956-01-03
Fire Damages Eiffel Tower
On 3 January 1956, a fire caused damage to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
1957
Addition of Radio Antenna to Eiffel Tower
In 1957, a radio antenna was installed at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
1959-06-19
The 35 millionth visitor
Mr. Legrain-Eiffel, Gustave's grandson, presented the 335 millionth guest, ten year old Julien Bertin, with the keys to a Simca P60 automobile. Unfortunately, the winner is only 10 years old and neither of his parents has a driver’s license.
1964-06-24
Eiffel Tower classified as a Historic Monument
The Eiffel Tower was officially classified as a historic monument on June 24, 1964, after Culture Minister Andre Malraux registered it. It is a symbol of France and a showcase of Paris.
1983-09-09
100 millionth visitor to the Eiffel Tower
On September 9, 1983, the Eiffel Tower welcomed its 100 millionth visitor. It continues to attract millions of tourists from around the world.
1985
Eiffel Tower sparkling lights
The Eiffel Tower sparkles every night for five minutes at the start of each hour. The current lighting system has been in place since 1985, adding to the iconic status of the tower.
1986
Major Facelift of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower underwent a significant renovation in 1986, marking a new chapter in its history. This maintenance work is part of the tower's regular upkeep, ensuring its iconic status is preserved for future generations.
1989
Eiffel Tower 100th Million Visitor Celebration
The Eiffel Tower celebrates its 100th million visitor, Mrs. Jacqueline Drouillot from Nievre province. Singer Mireille Matthieu gifts her a BX Diesel car from Citroen Automobile Company.
1991
Eiffel Tower registered as World Heritage by UNESCO
In 1991, the Eiffel Tower was registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is recognized for its cultural significance and historical importance.
1997
Countdown to Year 2000 at Eiffel Tower
In 1997, a countdown display was initiated on the Eiffel Tower in anticipation of the year 2000. The tower's lighting and pyrotechnic effects were synchronized for the millennium celebration.
2000-12-31
Millennium Celebrations at Eiffel Tower
On New Year's Eve of 2000, the Eiffel Tower hosted Paris' Millennium Celebrations with a spectacular fireworks display along the whole length of the tower.
2003-07-22
Fire at the Eiffel Tower
A fire broke out at the top of the Eiffel Tower in the broadcasting equipment room, leading to the evacuation of the entire tower. The fire was successfully extinguished within approximately 40 minutes.
2004
Ice Skating Rink at the Eiffel Tower
Since 2004, the Eiffel Tower has been hosting an ice skating rink on the first floor during the winter season, providing visitors with a unique and festive experience.
2018
Innovative Light Show at Eiffel Tower
In 2018, a unique light show was designed for the Eiffel Tower by lighting designer Motoko Ishii, celebrating 160 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and France. The monument displayed Japan's colors through video projections.
2020-03-04
15 essential things to know about the Eiffel Tower
An article answering 15 popular and fascinating questions about the Eiffel Tower.
2021
European Union Celebration at Eiffel Tower
The European flag was displayed on the Eiffel Tower to celebrate France's presidency of the Council of the European Union. The facade was illuminated with blue lighting and 12 stars for the occasion.
End of the Timeline
Eiffel Tower

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Eiffel Tower

Iconic Parisian landmark and tourist attraction
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