Eiffel Tower: Engineering and History
The Eiffel Tower, or la Tour Eiffel, represents the gruff face of romance and innovation born in Paris. This fairytale monument was constructed as the centerpiece for the World’s Fair in 1889-to commemorate France’s centennial celebration of the French Revolution and to showcase France’s industrial might. Built in 2 years with 7,300 tons of iron and 2.5 million rivets, the tower was an icon almost from day one.
Although one of the first creations destined to be opposed by critics, it was still one of the globe’s most recognized landmarks that greeted nearly seven million visitors annually.
Secrets of the Eiffel Tower
1. The Eiffel Tower Nearly Didn’t Happen
It even was instantly notorious with its beauty-intrinsic ugliness in that several famous artists – Guy de Maupassant and Alexandre Dumas among them – protested its building since it was claimed as an eyesore. The same innovation of Gustave Eiffel became one of the most visited attractions in the world.
2. A Penthouse Apartment at the Top
The top floor was kept for the original owner, Gustave Eiffel, where Thomas Edison and his other guests were entertained. Now, the private space has been transformed into a museum where one can see wax statues of Eiffel, his daughter and Edison.
3. Eiffel Didn’t Design It
In fact, he didn’t even design this tower. The proper credit goes to engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, with architect Stephen Sauvestre, who refined the design for winning a competition for the World’s Fair of 1889.
4. The Tower Was Almost Demolished
It was originally planned to be a temporary structure and should have been taken down after 20 years. Eiffel, however, saved it when he tied a radio antenna on it, due to its importance in military communications. So, it remained and became an integral part of Paris.
5. World War II Near Miss
Adolf Hitler ordered to destroy the Eiffel Tower during World War II, but the task remained unperformed. The tower remained resistant to the air raids, coming out of the Second World War undamaged.
6. Connection with the Statue of Liberty
Eiffel and Koechlin provided the internal structure input on the construction of the Statue of Liberty even before starting to make plans for Eiffel Tower.
This fact further testifies that they had adequate knowledge in iron structures.
7. A Scientific Laboratory
Eiffel used the third floor of the tower as a laboratory for meteorological and aerodynamic studies. Among other scientific contributions, he constructed a tunnel of wind at the bottom of the tower.
8. The Tower Moves
Because the Eiffel Tower is composed of iron, it expands and contracts depending on temperature. It can grow a few centimeters in summer, and it leans slightly because the one side heats up more than the other.
9. Names of Scientists Engraved
The Eiffel Tower has the names of 72 French scientists and engineers in the 19th century written across it, to which their contributions were recognised throughout the field of science, development.
In the 1980s, the names were discovered as they were masked beforehand.
10. Elaborate Maintenance
The Eiffel Tower is under a gargantuan work of preservation. Hundreds of painters ensure the removal of rust and damage. 60 tons of paint is used every three years.
11. Twinkling Lights with Copyright
On the other hand, such sparkling light display used for illuminating the Eiffel Tower since the millennium celebrations has copyright law entitlement. Personal photos are permitted, but professional use of images with champagne lights will be sought after permission.
12. Champagne Bar on Top
There is champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower where visitors arrive after climbing the tower. There is champagne to toast to from the champagne bar in order to complete the luxurious feeling along with the breath-taking views of Paris.
The Eiffel Tower extends beyond a masterpiece in architectural design, representing a monument that exudes history, innovation, and intrigue. From the brink of near demolition to its standing in the annals of scientific discovery, this tower has served as a treasured icon of France and a marvel of human ingenuity.
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