Eiffel Tower - Image 1

Paris,France

Eiffel Tower

Monument UNESCOOpenModern

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower constructed on the Champ de Mars in Paris for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, commemorating the centennial of the French Revolution. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time of its completion. Originally intended as a temporary exhibition structure, the tower became a permanent fixture of the Paris skyline and a landmark of industrial-age engineering.

Key Facts

Materials
Wrought iron
Civilization
French Third Republic
Date(s)
1887-1889
Condition
Operational monument and observation tower
Original Function
Entrance arch and centerpiece for the 1889 Exposition Universelle
Key Figures
Gustave Eiffel, Maurice Koechlin, Émile Nouguier, Stephen Sauvestre

Design and Construction

1887-1889

The tower was engineered by Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier under the direction of Gustave Eiffel. Constructed from prefabricated iron components, it reached a height of approximately 300 meters upon completion.

Exposition Universelle

1889

The structure served as the focal point of the 1889 World’s Fair, symbolizing technological progress and marking the centennial of the French Revolution.

Scientific and Military Use

Late 19th-20th centuries

The tower was utilized for meteorological research and radio transmission experiments, including early wireless communication that contributed to its preservation beyond its initial permit period.

Global Landmark

20th century-present

The Eiffel Tower became an international symbol of France and remains one of the most visited paid monuments in the world.

Cultural Significance

The Eiffel Tower represents the technological optimism of the Industrial Revolution and the engineering capabilities of late 19th-century France. Initially criticized by segments of the Parisian artistic community, the structure later became a central symbol of national identity and modern architectural innovation.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

Historians analyze contemporary opposition to the tower as evidence of tensions between academic artistic traditions and industrial modernity. Architectural scholars examine the tower’s influence on subsequent steel-frame construction and its role in redefining monumental form.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Paid admission required for access to upper levels. Security screening in place. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

Best Times to Visit

Early morning or late evening visits reduce queue times. Illuminations occur nightly after sunset.

Photography

Daytime photography permitted. Nighttime illumination is protected by copyright for commercial use.

Preservation Notes

Regular repainting occurs approximately every seven years to prevent corrosion. Visitors must remain within designated public areas.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    Eiffel's Tower — Jill Jonnes. Viking (2009)
  2. [2]
    The Eiffel Tower — Bertrand Lemoine. Abrams (2004)