The Eiffel Tower: The Design History of Paris's Main Symbol

135 years ago, the World's Fair took place in Paris, where the famous Eiffel Tower was unveiled. This iron structure made a lasting impression on people. Since then, copies of this tower have appeared in various parts of the world, including Prague, Mexico City, Kharkiv, Las Vegas, Tianduchen, and two cities named Paris in the United States. The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of architectural art and an inspiration for many countries seeking to create their own unique versions of this iconic structure. The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, is an outstanding example of architectural design that emerged in the late 19th century. This unique design, created by engineer Gustave Eiffel, was unveiled at the 1889 World's Fair and has since become an integral part of the Parisian landscape. The Eiffel Tower not only attracts tourists but also inspires artists, filmmakers, and designers worldwide. The visual code inherent in this structure is actively used in graphic design, film, and contemporary art, emphasizing the uniqueness and grandeur of its architecture. Thus, the Eiffel Tower serves not only as an architectural achievement, but also as an important cultural symbol, influencing visual aesthetics in various fields.

The Eiffel Tower: How It Came About and What It Meant for Parisians

In 1851, the practice of regularly holding World's Fairs began in the Western world. During the industrial era of the 19th century, these events became a platform for national companies to showcase their achievements and innovations. Among the exhibits were such significant inventions as the home sewing machine, the telephone, vulcanized rubber, and the latest construction technologies. World's Fairs played a vital role in the exchange of ideas and the advancement of technology, contributing to the development of the global economy and cultural exchange.

In 1889, Paris hosted an exhibition dedicated to the centenary of the French Revolution. The event was boycotted by several monarchies, but the country was eager to showcase its achievements over the past century. The exhibition was held at famous sites previously used for the 1878 World's Fair, such as the Champ de Mars and the area from the Trocadéro Palace to the banks of the Seine. In addition, the area near the Hôtel des Invalides was chosen to accommodate the pavilions of the French colonies, which made it possible to expand the space for participants and visitors.

Trocadero and the Champ de Mars before the construction of the Eiffel TowerImage: Eiffel Tower / Google Arts and Culture

In 1886 A competition was announced for the design of the main entrance to the exhibition, which was to be a 300-meter-tall tower. Gustave Eiffel's engineering firm submitted its design, completed in 1884. The tower was designed by engineers Maurice Kochlin and Émile Nouguier, and the decorative elements were designed by architect Stéphane Sauvestre. This project won out over hundreds of competitors, which marked the beginning of the history of the famous Eiffel Tower.

Panorama of exhibition spaces, 1889 Image: Eiffel Tower / Google Arts and Culture

The construction of the tower lasted two years, two months and five days. The 7,300-ton structure was ceremoniously opened on March 31, 1889. Two million people visited it during the exhibition, which ran from May 6 to November 6, 1889. At the time, it was the tallest structure in the world. The tower became a symbol of engineering and architectural progress of its time, attracting the attention of residents and tourists from all over the world.

On the left is a project for completing the tower by the same architect, Stéphane Sauvestre, for the 1900 World's Fair. On the right is a leaflet about the Eiffel Tower from the 1889 exhibition - this is how it was inherited by descendants. Image: Eiffel Tower / Google Arts and Culture

Sovestre decorated the metal structures with "architectural excesses": stone pedestals for supports, wide arches, glazing on platforms and interwoven ornaments reminiscent of cannage. The combination of its engineering structure and decorative lightness creates the impression that the tower is emerging from the ground. Image: Carlota von Hafe Pérez / Behance

In 1887, an open letter signed by "writers, painters, sculptors, architects, and lovers of the pure beauty of Paris" was published. This letter contained harsh criticism of the Eiffel Tower, which the authors called "useless and monstrous." Gustave Eiffel responded to these accusations, arguing that colossal forms have a special appeal and charm that defy traditional artistic criteria. This debate highlights conflicting views on architectural innovation and its place in the aesthetics of the city. The Eiffel Tower, despite criticism, has become a symbol of Paris and an example of a bold approach to engineering and design.

The names of 72 French scientists and engineers were engraved around the perimeter of the first tier. At the beginning of the 20th century, they were painted over, and during restoration in the 1980s, they were restored. Image: Eiffel Tower / Google Arts and Culture

Visitors ascended to observation decks and establishments in elevators and by stairs - 130 years ago, this was the only way people could see the city from above. From the very beginning, the Eiffel Tower housed restaurants, including the Russian Muscovites. Image: Eiffel Tower / Google Arts and Culture.

The original plan was to dismantle the tower 20 years after its construction. However, Gustave Eiffel found a way to prolong its existence by organizing meteorological and astronomical stations inside the structure, as well as experimental laboratories for studying the physics of materials and winds. As a result, the tower became an important telecommunications point and a support for the electric highway. In 1964, it was recognized as a historical monument of France, and in 1991 it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Now the Eiffel Tower not only attracts tourists but also serves as a symbol of engineering art and cultural heritage.

The Eiffel Tower - Love in Pop Culture

In 1897, Louis Lumière presented a film known as a "moving picture" called Panorama pendant l’ascension de la Tour Eiffel. Since then, the Eiffel Tower has appeared numerous times in films and graphic works, strengthening its status as the most recognizable symbol of Paris and France. It is associated with romance and sensuality, which has made it famous throughout the world. The Eiffel Tower continues to inspire artists and filmmakers, remaining an important element of cultural heritage.

The silhouette of a pyramid with concave sides is familiar to every educated person around the world. This super-popular shape has many socio-cultural and political reasons for its existence. Pyramids represent strength and power, which makes them an important symbol in various cultures. They serve not only as architectural monuments but also as a reflection of the historical memory of mankind. Understanding their significance helps to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and political aspects associated with the development of civilization.

Since its inception, the Eiffel Tower has attracted tourists, including foreign ones.

Paris has become an important railway hub, as well as a comfortable city with a high culture. The Eiffel Tower, the tallest building in the world, is an outstanding example of engineering excellence and a symbol of the best achievements of industrial development. This city attracts tourists from all over the world with its architecture, cultural attractions, and historical heritage, making it a center of attraction for lovers of art and technology.

Paris has been called the City of Light since the Enlightenment.

During the reign of Louis XIV, Paris became a symbol of progress and enlightenment. Public lighting was introduced in the capital for the first time, which was a revolutionary step. The city attracted philosophers, artists, writers and free thinkers from all over the Western world. This cultural atmosphere is also reflected in Paris's architectural achievements, including the Eiffel Tower, which embodies the city's reputation as the "City of Light."

A fantasy illustration of the fairytale beauty of the City of Light. Image: Eiffel Tower / Google Arts and Culture

Francophilia was widespread in the Americas, Japan, Russia, and Germany. Especially in the United States.

The history of French influence in the United States goes back many years. One factor contributing to this obsession was the love of French culture of one of the country's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson. His active support of French ideals and the Revolution strengthened ties between the two nations. Furthermore, the desire of the American establishment and wealthy citizens to acquire the sophistication and nobility inherent in French society became an important element in the formation of American cultural identity. French cuisine, fashion, and philosophy still exert a significant influence on the American way of life.

In Django Unchained, Calvin Candie's elegant, "French" lifestyle conceals his savage nature as a slave-owning torturer. The idea of nobility of blood, elitism and refinement of feelings is by definition alien to both the American South and the North: in the film, this is depicted in a particularly caricatured way. Still: the film "Django Unchained" / A Band Apart / Columbia Pictures

Russian and Soviet cultures also have a long-standing connection with Paris, including through several waves EmigrationStill: film "Window to Paris" / Films du Bouloi / "The Fountain" / La Sept Cinema / "Trinity Bridge"

In the 1920s, Paris became a magnet for American writers and artists, and Hollywood began to develop an idealistic image of the city.

Ernest Hemingway moved to Paris, was inspired by the city, and began writing odes reflecting its atmosphere. American director Ernst Lubitsch created popular films about love stories, immersing viewers in the romantic image of Paris. Hollywood hasn't always captured the reality of this city, but rather created an idealized version that has captivated audiences.

Image: A View to a Kill movie posters / MGM/UA Entertainment Co. / "Funny Face" / Paramount Pictures / "Folies Bergère" / Twentieth Century Pictures

Cinema has imbued the city with a special romantic atmosphere. The Eiffel Tower often becomes a symbol of love and the most important moments of heroism in films. This iconic landmark has served as the backdrop for touching stories for decades, attracting tourists and lovers from around the world.

Still: TV series "Emily in Paris" / Netflix

Marc Chagall's work was full of the Eiffel Tower and lovers. Image: Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice.

Over the 20th century, Paris and Parisians successfully capitalized on tourism, idealization, the spirit of artistic freedom, and the romanticization of the city.

The Eiffel Tower has come to occupy a key position in commercial design, graphic advertising, fashion, and everyday goods. This iconic Parisian landmark has become a symbol easily associated with elegance and cultural heritage. Its silhouette is actively used in various fields to attract attention and create a unique visual style. As a result, the Eiffel Tower not only adorns logos and packaging but also inspires designers to create original collections of clothing and accessories. This element has become an integral part of the modern visual language, emphasizing creativity and innovation in various industries.

The Eiffel Tower in Visual Communications

By drawing two slightly curved lines converging at a single point, you can create the recognizable shape of the Eiffel Tower. This simplicity, combined with the symbolism of Paris, makes the silhouette a unique visual element. Even adding a simple or detailed image of the tower to graphics can instantly convey the setting, mood, and meaning of the image. The Eiffel Tower embodies the romance and culture of Paris, making it the perfect symbol for a variety of visual projects.

On the left, an advertisement for Shell gas stations. On the right, an advertisement for BIC pens. Image: Matte Studio / Behance / BIC / TBWA

The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, was widely used in the design of invitations, tickets, posters, and promotional materials for the exhibition. This iconic landmark not only attracted visitors but also became an important element of the event's visual identity, emphasizing its significance and scale. The use of the tower's image in various advertising materials contributed to the popularization of the exhibition and the strengthening of its status on the international arena.

On the left is the poster "Universal Exhibition - 1889" for the Paris - Lyon - Mediterranean railway line. On the right is an etching for the magazine "Women's Fashion of the 19th Century," 1902. Image: Eiffel Tower / Google Arts and Culture / Florilegius / Universal Images Group / Getty Images.

The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of visual communications for major events in Paris and a tool for promoting France's tourist appeal. This iconic landmark not only attracts tourists but is also actively used in advertising campaigns emphasizing the uniqueness of French culture and history. Thanks to its fame, the tower serves as a backdrop for many events and promotions, making Paris a center of world tourism.

On the left is a poster for the 1924 Olympics, on the right is the 2024 Olympics. Image: Olympics / Paris 2024

On the left is a poster for Pan Am about flights from the USA to Paris. On the right is a similar poster for BEA. Image: Picture This Gallery / 1st Dibs

The Eiffel Tower is a unique example of architecture, acting not only as a landmark, but also as a large-scale carrier of visual communications. The structure itself serves as material for various visual interpretations and advertising projects, emphasizing its role in the cultural and tourist space of Paris. Thanks to its architectural design, the tower attracts attention and inspires artists, designers, and marketers, making it an important element in the field of visual communications.

From 1925 to 1934, it was literally an advertising pillar: it housed a 30-meter-high Citroën lettering made of 250,000 light bulbs.
In 1985, a permanent decorative lighting system was installed on the tower, and since the early 2000s, it has served as a unique large-scale channel for conveying messages.

In July 2016, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in the colors of the French flag in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Nice. In May 2020, the symbol of Paris "expressed" gratitude to all those who fought the COVID-19 pandemic. These moments highlight not only the Eiffel Tower's significance as an architectural masterpiece, but also its role in society, becoming a symbol of unity and support in difficult times.

On the left, the annual pink illumination commemorates Pink October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On the right is a call to end carbon overconsumption. Photo: Sebastien Ms / Behance / Chesnot / Getty Images.

The Eiffel Tower in Fashion

Paris, as the world capital of fashion, is inextricably linked with the Eiffel Tower, which is a symbol of the city. The Eiffel Tower is often used in the presentations and design of clothing and accessories, emphasizing the elegance and style inherent in Parisian fashion. This iconic landmark inspires designers and creates a unique atmosphere that draws attention to new collections and fashion trends.

On the left, a model in a Dior New Look ensemble in front of the Eiffel Tower. On the right is a Hermes scarf with an image of the tower and laser projection. Photo: Robert Capa / International Centre of Photography / Magnum Photos / 1st Dibs.

The Eiffel Tower in Product Design

The Eiffel Tower is a popular reference among industrial designers for two main reasons. First, it serves as a striking decorative element, instantly creating an atmosphere of French sophistication and elegance. Second, the tower's structure represents an outstanding engineering solution that inspires designers to create functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. The use of the Eiffel Tower in design highlights both cultural and technical achievements, making it a key element in modern industrial design.

Gustave Eiffel's company engineers made significant contributions to the development of utilitarian designs that cover a wide range of applications. Their innovative solutions have become the basis for the creation of various objects, ranging from power line supports to furniture elements. These designs demonstrate high functionality and aesthetic value, which makes them in demand in various industries.

Cast iron andirons (wood stands near fireplaces) in the Art Nouveau style, circa 1900 Photo: 1st Dibs

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Art Nouveau is the last major style in art and architecture that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It emerged as a response to changes in society and technology, reflecting a desire for novelty and individuality. Art Nouveau encompasses a variety of fields, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts.

Characteristic features of Art Nouveau include flowing lines, asymmetrical forms, and the use of natural materials. This style was often inspired by nature, evident in organic motifs and patterns. In architecture, Art Nouveau manifests itself in the creation of buildings with unique facades, ornate details, and a harmonious combination of function and aesthetics.

Art Nouveau was a significant milestone in the history of design, fostering a shift toward freer and more experimental forms of expression. It had a significant influence on subsequent artistic movements, including Art Deco and modern design. Understanding Art Nouveau helps us better understand the evolution of art and architecture, as well as their impact on modern society.

On the left are candlesticks with Stars of David and Eiffel Towers, mid-20th century. On the right is a Louis Vuitton gift snow globe with suitcase figurines arranged in a tower. Photo: 1st Dibs / 1st Dibs