The Eiffel Tower was constructed between 1887 and 1889 to serve as the grand entrance to the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair), a fair held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Designed by the engineering firm of Gustave Eiffel, the iron lattice tower was a radical feat of engineering that became the world's tallest man-made structure.

The Vision and the Competition

In 1886, the French government held a design competition for a monument to be built on the Champ de Mars for the upcoming World's Fair. Over 100 designs were submitted, but the proposal from Gustave Eiffel, along with engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier and architect Stephen Sauvestre, was unanimously chosen. Their design was for a 300-metre (984-foot) open-lattice tower made of wrought iron.

A Controversial Masterpiece

The project was met with immediate and fierce opposition from Paris's artistic and literary elite. A committee of prominent figures, including writer Guy de Maupassant and composer Charles Gounod, published a petition against the "useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower," calling it a "gigantic black smokestack" that would dominate the city's skyline. Despite the protests, construction began on January 28, 1887.

Construction: A Feat of Engineering

The tower's construction was remarkably swift and precise, taking just two years, two months, and five days. This was achieved through meticulous planning and the use of prefabricated parts. All 18,038 iron pieces were manufactured in Eiffel’s factory on the outskirts of Paris and assembled on-site using 2.5 million rivets. The key dates of its assembly were:

On inauguration day, Gustave Eiffel himself climbed the 1,710 steps to the top to place a large French flag, as the lifts were not yet operational.

From Temporary Structure to Permanent Icon

The tower opened to the public on May 15, 1889, and was an immediate success, attracting nearly two million visitors during the fair. However, it was only granted a 20-year permit and was scheduled for demolition in 1909. Eiffel argued for its scientific value, and its salvation came with the advent of wireless telegraphy. The tower's height made it an ideal location for a radio antenna, and it played a vital role in transatlantic communications and military operations during World War I.

The Tower Through the Decades

For 41 years, the Eiffel Tower stood as the tallest man-made structure in the world, until the Chrysler Building in New York surpassed it in 1930. During the German occupation of Paris in World War II, French resistance fighters famously cut the tower's lift cables so that Nazi soldiers would have to climb the stairs. In 1957, a television antenna was added, increasing its height to the current 330 metres (1,083 feet). Today, it remains a vital broadcasting tower and is the world's most-visited paid monument. If you wish to see this piece of history, you can book tickets to secure your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Eiffel Tower?

The design is attributed to Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two senior engineers in Gustave Eiffel's company. Gustave Eiffel himself, an accomplished engineer known for his bridge designs, championed the project, financed much of it, and his company built it, which is why it bears his name.

Why was the Eiffel Tower built?

The Eiffel Tower was built as the main attraction and entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in Paris. The fair was organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and to showcase France's industrial and engineering prowess.

How long did it take to build the Eiffel Tower?

The entire construction took only 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days, an exceptionally short time for a project of its scale in the 19th century. Construction started on January 28, 1887, and was completed on March 31, 1889.

Explore the rich history of this architectural marvel up close. Check availability for our guided tours to learn even more stories from its past.