Stunning Historic Images of the Eiffel Tower

It’s hard to believe that when the Eiffel Tower was first unveiled for the Universal Exposition of 1889, it was deemed a horrible eyesore by many, who found its bold modernity a shock. Now millions of people each year visit the tower, both for its fascinating construction and its superb views over the city, but it’s interesting to look back on the tower’s many guises over the years. We start with the present but make sure to explore some truly intriguing historical shots.

Past and Present Guises of “La Tour”

Pictured here – La Tour Eiffel in Spring: This poetic shot of the Eiffel Tower during springtime shows how much effort the city of Paris puts into maintaining the gardens around the tower. Consequently, this ensures dramatic and memorable views of trees and blossoms during the season.

Eiffel Tower Lit up at Night for 120th Anniversary

This shot of the tower showcases one of the world’s most-recognized monuments lit up for its 120th-anniversary celebrations. The tower was first unveiled in 1889 during the World Exposition in Paris but was initially reviled by the public and Gustave Eiffel’s contemporaries. However, a lot has changed since then!

Sunset View of the Eiffel Tower and Paris Landscapes

This dusky view of the Eiffel Tower and the grand promenade surrounding the tower, known as the Champ de Mars, provides stunning perspectives on the city landscapes surrounding the iconic monument.

The Eiffel Tower Goes European

When France assumed the presidency of the European Union in 2008, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with the colors and insignia of the EU flag, as illustrated in this striking shot.

Vertical View of the Eiffel Tower

This vertical perspective of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, allows us to closely examine the elaborate metal latticework, which was a remarkable feat of engineering for its time. The use of steel and other metals was still relatively new in architecture in 1889; while the tower was first deemed an ugly monstrosity, it has since influenced countless architects and engineers.

The Eiffel Tower Under Construction – Circa 1878

This archival shot of the Eiffel Tower during the construction phase was taken in 1878 when photography was still a fledgling technology. The tower is made up of 18,038 pieces, including 7,300 tons of metal, resulting in a total weight of 10,100 tons. It stands at 324 meters (approximately 1,063 ft). Remarkably, the construction took 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days to complete; contrary to popular belief, the architect behind the project was Stephen Sauvestre—Gustave Eiffel was the contractor hired to execute the plan.

Painting of the Eiffel Tower at the Exposition Universelle in 1889

Georges Garen’s 1889 painting of a newly inaugurated Eiffel Tower, brilliantly illuminated for the Universal Exhibit of 1889, captures the dramatic unveiling of the tower in Belle-Epoque Paris.

The Eiffel Tower at the Universal Exhibition of 1900

This surrealistic shot of the Eiffel Tower was taken for the occasion of the Universal Exhibition of 1900 by American photographer William Herman Rau.

Lightning Strikes the Eiffel Tower

This dramatic shot circa 1902 depicts the Eiffel Tower in Paris being struck by lightning. The Eiffel Tower, utilized as a radio antenna, has also been described as a massive steel lightning conductor.