The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. Standing tall in the heart of Paris, it draws millions of visitors each year who come to admire its intricate ironwork and stunning views. While many people know it as a symbol of France, there are many surprising facts about its history, construction, and unique features that are less well-known.
This post will share some of the most interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower. You will learn about its original purpose, the science behind its design, and some of the unusual events that have taken place there. Understanding these details will give you a deeper appreciation for this incredible structure the next time you see it in a photo or visit it in person.
The Tower’s Original Purpose
1. It Was a Temporary Structure
One of the most surprising facts about the Eiffel Tower is that it was never intended to be a permanent fixture in the Parisian skyline. It was designed and built as the grand entrance for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), a massive event held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The original plan was to dismantle the tower after 20 years.
2. It Was Almost Torn Down
Because it was meant to be temporary, the tower faced significant opposition. Many prominent artists and intellectuals of the time signed a petition against its construction, calling it a “useless and monstrous” blot on the city’s landscape. After its 20-year permit expired in 1909, the tower was saved from demolition because it had found a new, vital purpose as a radiotelegraph station. Its height made it an ideal antenna for the new technology, and its value to communications secured its future.
Feats of Engineering and Design
3. The Tower Changes Height
The Eiffel Tower’s height is not static. Made of iron, the structure expands in the summer heat and contracts in the winter cold. This thermal expansion can cause the tower’s height to vary by up to 15 cm (about 6 inches) throughout the year. It’s a living monument that subtly shifts with the seasons.
4. It’s Repainted Every Seven Years
To protect the iron from rust and keep it looking its best, the Eiffel Tower is repainted by hand every seven years. This massive undertaking requires approximately 60 tons of paint. A team of painters works for over a year, using only brushes, to cover the entire structure. The tower has been painted various colors over the years, including reddish-brown and yellow-ochre, before settling on the current “Eiffel Tower Brown.”
5. It Was the World’s Tallest Structure for 41 Years
Upon its completion in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stood at 300 meters (984 feet), making it the tallest man-made structure in the world. It held this title for 41 years until the Chrysler Building was completed in New York City in 1930. Today, including its antennas, the tower reaches a height of 330 meters (1,083 feet).
Unusual Events and Hidden Spaces
6. A Secret Apartment Exists at the Top
Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s chief architect, designed a small private apartment for himself near the very top. This cozy space was off-limits to the public and was used by Eiffel to entertain distinguished guests, including Thomas Edison. The apartment has since been restored and is now open for public viewing, complete with wax figures of Eiffel and his famous visitors.
7. It Was the Site of a Daring Heist
The Eiffel Tower was “sold” for scrap metal not once, but twice, by a con artist named Victor Lustig in 1925. Posing as a government official, Lustig convinced a group of scrap metal dealers that the city could no longer afford the tower’s maintenance and was selling it off. One dealer fell for the scam and paid Lustig a large sum. Lustig then fled the country, only to return a month later and try the same trick again.
8. An Elephant Once Climbed the Tower
In 1948, the director of the Bouglione Circus decided to lead an elephant up the first level of the Eiffel Tower as a publicity stunt. The elephant, which was reportedly 85 years old at the time, successfully made the climb, creating a memorable and unusual moment in the tower’s history.
The Tower’s Lasting Impact
9. It Has Over 30 Replicas Worldwide
The Eiffel Tower’s iconic design has inspired more than 30 replicas and similar structures around the world. You can find smaller versions in cities like Las Vegas, Tokyo, and Shenzhen, China. These imitations stand as a testament to the tower’s global appeal and enduring influence on architecture and culture.
10. It Is France’s Most Popular Paid Monument
Today, the Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world, attracting nearly 7 million visitors annually. It has become an undeniable symbol of Paris and France, beloved by people from all corners of the globe. From its controversial beginnings to its status as a cultural icon, the tower has a rich and fascinating story.
Appreciating a Global Icon
The Eiffel Tower is more than just a beautiful structure; it’s a monument with a rich history full of conflict, innovation, and surprising events. From its near-demolition to its secret apartment, these facts add new layers to its iconic silhouette. The next time you see the tower, you’ll know it’s not just a landmark but a testament to human ingenuity and the passage of time.