Secrets of the Eiffel Tower: Fascinating Facts You May Not Know
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
The Eiffel Tower is more than just an iconic structure or a symbol of Paris. It’s a monument with a rich history, intriguing quirks, and hidden stories that reveal it to be much more than a simple feat of engineering. Here are some lesser-known facts about the "Iron Lady" that add a new dimension to one of the world’s most beloved landmarks.
1. A Temporary Monument Turned Icon
When engineer Gustave Eiffel built the tower for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was intended to stand for only 20 years. Many Parisians found the structure unsightly, and critics deemed it an "iron monstrosity." However, when its demolition approached in 1909, the tower was saved because it was repurposed as a giant radio antenna, marking its transformation from a temporary exhibit to a lasting icon.
2. The Color Keeps Changing
The Eiffel Tower has not always sported its current bronze hue, officially known as "Eiffel Tower Brown." Over the years, it has gone through several shades, from Venetian Red (the color of its original paint) to yellow, brownish-red, and even a color called "chestnut brown." Today, the tower is repainted every seven years to prevent rust and keep it looking vibrant, using nearly 60 tons of paint each time.
3. Secret Apartment at the Top
Few know that Gustave Eiffel built a small apartment for himself at the tower's summit. Located on the third level, this secret space was reserved for personal use, where Eiffel entertained notable guests like Thomas Edison. The apartment still exists today and is furnished as it was in Eiffel’s time, complete with wax figures of Eiffel and Edison, giving a glimpse into Eiffel’s private retreat above the city.
4. The Tower Grows and Shrinks with the Seasons
Due to the metal’s reaction to heat, the Eiffel Tower expands and contracts depending on the temperature. In hot summer weather, the tower can grow up to six inches (15 cm) taller as the metal expands. Conversely, in cold weather, it shrinks back to its original height. This "breathing" effect is an incredible example of the flexibility of iron and the tower’s unique relationship with the elements.
5. A High-Flying Laboratory
Eiffel was not only a talented engineer but also an avid scientist. He used the Eiffel Tower as a high-altitude laboratory to conduct research in meteorology, physics, and even radio transmission experiments. The height and stability of the structure made it the perfect platform for his research, and many of his studies contributed to advancements in early aviation and radio communication.
6. More Than 20,000 Light Bulbs Illuminate the Tower at Night
The Eiffel Tower is famous for its nightly light displays, where it sparkles with over 20,000 bulbs for five minutes every hour on the hour. This tradition began in 1985 when engineer Pierre Bideau designed the now-iconic lighting system. The sight is dazzling, and locals know the tower sparkles are off-limits for commercial photography due to its copyright status after dusk!
7. The Eiffel Tower Has a Sister
While the Eiffel Tower remains unique in design, a nearly identical tower stands in Tokyo: the Tokyo Tower. Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower was directly inspired by the Eiffel Tower, though it was built as a broadcasting tower. Standing slightly taller at 333 meters (1,092 feet), Tokyo Tower serves as a nod to Paris’s beloved landmark.
8. A Magnet for Global Artists and Performers
From painters to musicians, the Eiffel Tower has inspired countless artists. Picasso, for example, famously painted the tower, and in the early 20th century, avant-garde artist Marc Chagall often depicted it as a romantic symbol in his work. It has also served as a stage for performers from all over the world, including French cabaret singer Edith Piaf and American saxophonist Kenny G.
9. Scaling the Eiffel Tower Was Once a Race
In 1905, the Eiffel Tower hosted a race like no other: the "Tour de la Tour" or the "Tour of the Tower." Competitors raced up the tower’s 1,665 steps in a display of endurance and speed. The winner, a French soldier, reached the top in just under four minutes—a feat that still impresses, given the steep climb and the unique structure of the stairs.
10. The Eiffel Tower Was Once Almost Sold for Scrap
In a strange twist of history, the Eiffel Tower was nearly sold twice by an infamous conman named Victor Lustig. Posing as a government official, he claimed the city could no longer afford the upkeep and "sold" the tower to scrap metal dealers. Lustig escaped both times with a hefty profit, leaving Paris—and the Eiffel Tower—intact.
11. It’s Seen Its Share of Daredevils
The Eiffel Tower has long attracted daredevils, including parachutists, base jumpers, and even mountain climbers. In 1912, an inventor attempted to test a parachute suit by jumping off the tower’s first level but tragically failed. Today, the tower has tight security and restrictions to prevent such dangerous stunts, but the thrill-seekers’ legacy remains part of its lore.
12. The Eiffel Tower Has a Reputable Restaurant Scene
The tower is not just a tourist spot—it also houses high-end dining options. The most famous is Le Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor, offering fine dining with a panoramic view of Paris. For those looking for a more casual experience, 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor provides French bistro-style dining with equally stunning vistas.
These surprising and lesser-known facts showcase the Eiffel Tower as more than just a tourist attraction. From secret apartments to scientific laboratories, hidden colors to daring stunts, the Eiffel Tower is a structure of endless intrigue and beauty, forever embodying the charm and romance of Paris.