The Eiffel Tower opened to public

On this day in 1889 the Eiffel Tower opened to public.

The 300-metre Eiffel Tower, a wrought iron technological masterpiece created by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the French Revolution, was opened to the public at the Centennial Exposition in Paris.

It was designed by Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, two senior engineers who worked for the Compagnie des Establissments Eiffel after discussion about a suitable centrepiece for the proposed 1889 Exposition Universelle,  A World’s Fair which would celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution.

Construction of the Eiffel Tower in July 1888

The main structural work was completed at the end of March 1889 and on the 31st Eiffel celebrated this by leading a group of government officials, accompanied by representatives of the press, to the top of the tower. Since the lifts were not yet in operation, the ascent was made by foot, and took over an hour, Eiffel frequently stopping to make explanations of various features. Most of the party chose to stop at the lower levels, but a few, including Nouguier, Compagnon, the President of the City Council and reporters from Figaro and Le Monde Illustré completed the climb. At 2.35 Eiffel hoisted a large tricoleur, to the accompaniment of a 25-gun salute fired from the lower level.

Did you know?

On the 10 September 1889, Thomas Edison visited the tower. He signed the guest book with the following message,

“To the Engineer the brave builder of so gigantic and original specimen of modern Engineering from one who has the greatest respect and admiration for all Engineers including the Great Engineer the Bon Dieu, Thomas Edison.”

So Gustave Eiffel invented the Eiffel Tower, but if you could invent anything, what would it be?