Eiffel Tower

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.

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.

The digging work for the construction of the Eiffel Tower began on January 26, 1887.

On January 28th, 1887, the construction works for the Eiffel Tower officially started.

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.

The construction of the Eiffel Tower supports started on July 1, 1887, following a meticulous mathematical design by Gustave Eiffel to optimize wind resistance.

By April 1st, 1888, the first stage of the Eiffel Tower construction was successfully completed.

The second stage of the Eiffel Tower construction was finished on August 14th, 1888.

The Eiffel Tower, constructed in 1889, is a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

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.

The construction of the Eiffel Tower was completed on March 31, 1889.

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.

The Eiffel Tower was opened for public access on May 6, 1889.

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.

The Eiffel Tower hosted grandiose fireworks on July 14, known as 'Bastille Day', a significant national celebration in France.

On September 10, 1889, Thomas Edison visited the Eiffel Tower and left a message in the guest book praising Gustave Eiffel's engineering masterpiece.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In 1930, the Eiffel Tower lost the title of the world's tallest structure when the Chrysler Building was completed in New York City.

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.

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.

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.

On 3 January 1956, a fire caused damage to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

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.

On September 9, 1983, the Eiffel Tower welcomed its 100 millionth visitor. It continues to attract millions of tourists from around the world.

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.

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.

In 1991, the Eiffel Tower was registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is recognized for its cultural significance and historical importance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An article answering 15 popular and fascinating questions about the 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.