When was eiffel tower built

Overview

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic structures in the world, was built as the entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair held in Paris to mark the centenary of the French Revolution. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was initially met with resistance from Parisian artists and intellectuals who considered it an eyesore.

Despite early criticism, the tower quickly became a symbol of French innovation and engineering excellence. Today, it stands as the most visited paid monument globally, attracting nearly 7 million visitors annually.

• Construction began in January 1887 and progressed rapidly due to prefabricated iron components assembled on-site with precision.
• The project employed around 300 workers who assembled over 18,000 iron parts using 2.5 million rivets.
• Gustave Eiffel’s engineering firm was responsible for the design and construction, leveraging advanced 19th-century metallurgy techniques.
• The tower was completed in March 1889, just in time for the opening of the Exposition Universelle.
• Originally intended to stand for only 20 years, it was saved due to its value as a radio transmission tower.

How It Works

The Eiffel Tower’s enduring stability and design efficiency stem from its innovative use of wrought iron and aerodynamic structure, which allows wind to pass through with minimal resistance.

• Wrought Iron Framework: The tower uses 7,300 metric tons of wrought iron, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to tension.
• Curved Lattice Design: The arches at the base distribute weight evenly, enabling the tower to support its 300-meter height without toppling.
• Wind Resistance: Gustave Eiffel used mathematical calculations to shape the tower so that wind pressure is evenly dispersed across its surface.
• Modular Construction: Each of the 18,038 iron parts was pre-designed and numbered, allowing for rapid assembly with minimal error.
• Hydraulic Elevators: The original elevators, designed by Otis, used water-powered systems to transport visitors to upper levels as early as 1889.
• Expansion Joints: The structure includes built-in flexibility; it can sway up to 9 centimeters in high winds and expand 15 cm in heat.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the Eiffel Tower to other major global landmarks at the time of its completion:

The Eiffel Tower surpassed all existing structures in height upon completion, becoming the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Chrysler Building in New York surpassed it in 1930. Its use of industrial materials marked a shift from traditional stone construction to modern engineering.

Why It Matters

The Eiffel Tower revolutionized architecture and public perception of industrial materials, proving that iron could be both functional and beautiful. Its legacy extends beyond tourism, influencing communication technology and cultural symbolism.

• Symbol of Paris: The tower is now synonymous with French culture, appearing in countless films, artworks, and global media.
• Scientific Use: Gustave Eiffel allowed physicists to use the tower for meteorological and aerodynamic experiments.
• Radio Transmission: In the early 1900s, it was repurposed as a radio signal tower, saving it from demolition.
• Engineering Benchmark: The design influenced future skyscrapers and lattice structures worldwide.
• Tourism Impact: It generates over 1.5 billion euros annually for the French economy through tourism.
• Cultural Icon: The tower has hosted Olympic events, New Year’s celebrations, and global light displays for humanitarian causes.

From controversial debut to global landmark, the Eiffel Tower exemplifies how visionary engineering can transcend initial criticism to become a lasting symbol of human achievement.