The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel’s was unanimously chosen.
It was not, at first, accepted by all and a petition of 300 names –including those of Maupassant, Emile Zola, Charles Garnier (architect of the Opera Garnier) and Dumas the Younger- protested against its construction.
At 320,75 m (including antenna) and 7000 tons, it was the world’s tallest building until 1930.
It has 1652 steps to the top. It was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna used for telegraphy at that time. At the beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio, since 1918 and French television, since 1957 have also made use of its stature.
If its birth was difficult, however, it is now completely accepted and must be listed as one of the symbols of Paris itself.
The tower has three platforms. A restaurant (very expensive), the Jules Verne is on the second platform. The top platform has a bar, souvenir shop and the recently restored office of Gustave Eiffel. From its platforms -especially the topmost- the view upon Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best.
The “Metal Lady” is lit up with 352 projectors of 1000 watts and twinkle for ten minutes on the hour everyday after dawn with its 20,000 bulbs and fairy lights.
The Eiffel Tower twinkling was at first made to celebrate the New 2000 Year arrival. But, Parisians, in spite of electricity excess costs, could not be deprived of this marvel. The Company in charge of the Eiffel Tower had to rethink of a new way to keep the tower sparkling like a star. After more than a year of no functioning the Eiffel Tower got its sparkling back with an inaugural celebration at 11.20 p.m. on June 21, 2003.
The new sparkling like a star is even more impressive than the previous one. The current lighting system, by reducing immensely the electric power consumption, offers the tower to sparkle another ten years.
The night celebration welcoming this brand-newly decorated “Metal Lady” filled the public with emotion. The event was greeted by famous national and international artists. This special happening was also greeted with fireworks. There were around 200,000 people to welcome this very special happening. Everyone was stunned by such a splendid show.
To bring back life and elegance to the Tower at night, four continuous light beams swivel constantly around in the sky.
