Everything you need to know about the history of the Eiffel Tower

Paris, with its cobblestone streets, grand boulevards, and enchanting architecture is every tourist’s dream destination. Eiffel Tower, the capital city’s most recognizable monument, attracts thousands of visitors every year and is steeped in rich heritage and history.

The history of Eiffel Tower spans decades and traces how an entrance arch to a World Fair became one of France’s most renowned and mesmerizing monuments.

Built to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution by Gustave Eiffel, the iron marvel was initially supposed to be dismantled in 20 years. This post will take you through some of the most interesting Eiffel Tower facts and history.

Eiffel Tower - In a Nutshell

Eiffel Tower Facts and History - Origin of the Iron Marvel

The history of Eiffel Tower stems from France’s desire to showcase its industrial prowess. On the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the French saw it fit to commemorate the occasion with a larger-than-life model.

The French government called in people to study the possibility of designing and constructing a tower, which required a square base that was 125 meters wide and around 300 meters tall.

Eiffel Tower - Gustave Eiffel’s most ambitious project and its construction

Post a call-to-arms for brilliant engineering projects, engineers and firms from across France submitted over 107 projects.

After a careful selection process, the project by Gustave Eiffel and his team made the cut. He designed the project with Maurice Kœchlin, Emile Nouguier, and Stephen Sauvestre. Gustave had submitted precise blueprints of each part of the tower, eliminating any scope for mistakes.

With 300 skilled workers at its helm, the construction for Eiffel Tower began in January 1887 in Paris. The construction was completed by March 1889, in a record-breaking 2 years, 2 months and 5 days. Gustave inaugurated the tower on March 31, 1889 by climbing to the top of the iron marvel as herds of people watched in awe.

Eiffel Tower at the World’s Fair - From an entrance arch to a historic landmark

As it was designed to be the entrance arch of the World’s Fair in 1889, Eiffel Tower was never meant to be permanent; it was scheduled to be dismantled in 20 years. However, for a temporary structure, it had a very permanent impact on the people. Even though many Parisians repented it, the tower became a symbol of pride for the people of France.

Approximately 2 million people visited it during the Universal Expositions “World Fair”. Over the years, the tower evolved into a symbol of love as Paris grew came to be known as the romantic capital of the world. Eiffel Tower tours attract almost 7 million people every year and offers unparalleled vistas of the French capital.

Maintaining the Eiffel Tower - A Costly Affair

Maintaining the Eiffel Tower is a gargantuan task. To keep the towering monument gleaming, the monument receives a new coat of tonnes of paint every 7 years. The Eiffel Tower uses over 20,000 bulbs every night to make it sparkle for 10 minutes on the hour. The monument consumes 7.8 million kWh of electricity every year, including 580,000 kWh for all its light. Purchasing tickets for Eiffel Tower at night are one way to uncover the beauty of the city of love.

The Eiffel Tower was Once Yellow!

Before the special ‘Eiffel Tower Brown’ originated, the tower was painted a different color every seven years. In one of its iterations, it was stark yellow. Several renovations have taken place over the years to make the tower accessible to the public. Gustave Eiffel’s apartment on the Eiffel Tower summit has sketches and blueprints of the different iterations of the Eiffel Tower. These are accessible with any Eiffel Tower summit ticket.

Eiffel Tower Tickets - Skip The Line, Summit Access and More

Eiffel Tower Over The Years - A Timeline

1887

The construction of the Eiffel Tower took 22 months, from January 1887 to March 1889. The Eiffel Tower faced serious backlash from Parisians at first. Many groups of artists, including the famous Guy De Maupassant campaigned against its construction, with some calling it a “truly tragic street lamp” marring the Parisian skyline. In February 1887, they even issued a petition against it.

1889

The protest fizzled out once the Eiffel Tower received global appreciation. The tower was opened to the public in May 1889, and since then, people have been flowing in to see the Iron Lady from every corner of the world.

1914

The first military use of the tower ensued during the First World War in 1914. Due to its height and range, the Eiffel Tower doubled up as a radio antenna for the Allies. Due to its position and range, Eiffel Tower was a critical communication hotspot during the war.

1922

After proving its worth as a radio communication tower, Radio Tour Eiffel was launched in 1922 after further scientific innovation.

1939 - 1944

In 1939, France suffered a tragic defeat in World War 2, but became independent in 1944. The French celebrated its feat by hoisting their tri-color flag on top of the Eiffel Tower.

1944 - Present Day

After going through several renovations and structural improvements, Eiffel Tower is now a tourist hotspot and one of the world’s most loved monuments. It is also the world’s most visited paid-for monument.

Eiffel Tower - Getting There and Guidelines

Opening Hours

Mid-June to early September

9 AM - 12:45 AM
Last elevator ride to the top leaves at 11 PM
Similar stair access timings.

Rest of the year

9:30 AM - 11:45 PM
Last elevator ride to the top leaves at 10:30 PM
Stair access timings: 9:30 AM - 6 PM

Getting There

Metro
The Metro has two lines that have stops in close proximity to the Eiffel Tower i.e Line 6 and 9.

RER Train
You can use the RER Train and get off at the Champs de Mars station.

Bus
Buses 82, 42, 87, and 69 operate to the Eiffel Tower.

Boat
You could also get to the Tower by using any of the Batobus boats.

Tips for Your Eiffel Tower Tour Paris - What to Wear, Rules and Regulations

• Your Eiffel Tower Tour will include a fair bit of walking and climbing. Therefore, it is advised that you wear running shoes and comfortable clothes.
• It has to noted that security at the monument is stringent. Do not forget to carry your ID cards, even for children.
• The Tower does not permit the storage of items such as suitcases, non-folding buggies, and prams.
• Eiffel Tower Ticket queues can get quite long, with 90-minute waiting times. It is advised that you book tickets online and avoid long lines.
• If you can, wait and watch the Eiffel Tower shimmer in the evening. Every five minutes on the hour, the monument sports a dazzling look with over 70,000 lights illuminating the iron tower.
• Opening hours of the Eiffel Tower are your go-to choice if you’re looking to beat the crowd. The waiting times are significantly lesser.

FAQs