Everyone Hated It - The Eiffel Tower Opened - March 31, 1889

From "metal asparagus" to Paris icon. 🗼

On this day in 1889, Paris unveiled a tower that everyone hated—and it became the most iconic structure on Earth.

France was hosting the 1889 World's Fair to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Engineer Gustave Eiffel proposed a radical design: a 1,000-foot iron tower that would be the tallest structure in the world.

Parisian artists, writers, and intellectuals were furious. They called it an "iron monstrosity," a "metal asparagus," a disgrace to Paris's beauty. Over 300 prominent Parisians signed a petition demanding it be torn down before construction even finished.

On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower officially opened anyway. At 1,083 feet tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. Gustave Eiffel himself climbed the 1,710 steps to the top and planted a French flag.

Over 2 million people visited during the World's Fair. The critics were proven wrong.

The tower was supposed to be temporary—torn down after 20 years. But it became too useful (as a radio transmission tower) and too beloved.

Today, 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year. It's Paris's defining symbol.

The "eyesore" became an icon.

Ever been to the Eiffel Tower? 🗼👇

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Видео Everyone Hated It - The Eiffel Tower Opened - March 31, 1889 канала On This Day