Eiffel tower paris night

The Eiffel Tower illuminated at night is one of Paris's most iconic symbols, attracting millions of visitors with its nightly light show.

About this subject

The Eiffel Tower, built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, was initially criticized by many French artists and intellectuals. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, the wrought-iron structure stands 330 meters tall including antennas, and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930. Today, it is the most-visited paid monument in the world, with about 7 million visitors annually.

Since 1985, the tower has been illuminated by 20,000 sparkling lamps that create a five-minute show every hour from 6 PM to 1 AM (until 2 AM in summer). The lights were installed to celebrate the New Year 2000 and later became permanent. Additionally, the tower features a rotating beacon that sweeps Paris with two beams of light.

The night illumination of the Eiffel Tower is a hallmark of the Parisian landscape and has been the stage for major events such as the millennium celebration and the tower's 130th anniversary in 2019. The lights are regularly maintained, and the structure undergoes periodic repainting every seven years to protect the metal from corrosion.

Fun fact: the Eiffel Tower was used as a giant billboard to display messages during World War I, and today its top houses radio and television transmission antennas. The nighttime view from the top of the tower is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, offering a panoramic vista of illuminated Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Eiffel Tower built and why?

The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution.

How many lights illuminate the Eiffel Tower at night?

There are 20,000 twinkling lamps that create the light show, along with floodlights that illuminate the structure.

Has the Eiffel Tower ever been painted a different color?

Yes, the tower has been painted red, yellow, and blue throughout its history. Currently, it uses three shades of brown to create a gradient effect.