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Eiffel tower's first open
In 1889, Paris hosted an Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to mark the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution. -
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Eiffel tower has special visitor
On 10 September 1889 Thomas Edison visited the tower. He signed the guest book with the message, "To Eiffel 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." -
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Eiffel Tower struck by lightning
In 1902, the tower was struck by lightning. 100m of the top had to be reconstructed and the damaged lights that illuminate the tower had to be replaced. -
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Eiffel Tower closed during WWI
The French military used the tower to communicate wirelessly with ships in the Atlantic Ocean and intercept enemy messages during World War I. When the tower played an important role in capturing the infamous spy Mata Hari during World War I, it gained such importance to the French people that there was no more thought of demolishing it -
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Eiffel Tower closed for WWII
Upon the German occupation of Paris in 1940 the lift cables were cut by the French so that Adolf Hitler would have to climb the steps to the summit. The parts to repair them were allegedly impossible to obtain because of the war. Hitler chose to stay on the ground, so it was said that Hitler conquered France, but did not conquer the Eiffel Tower. -
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Fire at the top of The Eiffel Tower
The fire broke out at 7:21 p.m. in the television broadcast room, an area off limits to tourists. The fourth level belvedere was destroyed and the fittings supporting the mast were badly damaged. Renovations took one year to complete. -
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Eiffel Tower named Historical Monument
After Culture Minister Andre Malraux registers the Eiffel Tower, it is classified as a historic monument June 24, 1964 and is registered as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1991.
As France’s symbol in the world, and the showcase of Paris, today it welcomes almost 7 million visitors a year (around 75% of whom are foreigners), making it the most visited monument that you have to pay for in the world.