Eiffel Tower: a free exhibition in tribute to Gustave Eiffel on the forecourt - our photos

It is the symbol of Paris, the city's great attraction. Today, the Eiffel Tower is an emblematic monument of France, much appreciated by tourists and locals alike. However, the Iron Lady has not always met with unanimous approval: Gustave Eiffel, its creator, had to fight to ensure that his project would see the light of day, and be safeguarded.

In 2023, we celebrate the centenary of the death of this visionary engineer. To mark the occasion, numerous events and activities are being organized in the capital. Among these celebrations, our attention is drawn to this exhibition announced in the program.

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Eiffel, ever higher! is the name of the exhibition that retraces Gustave Eiffel's long and arduous struggle to bring his masterpiece to life. The exhibition is open to all, and will be on display on the monument's forecourt until January 7, 2024. Please note that access to the exhibition will be restricted from September 18 to October 4, 2023, due to work on the forecourt.

Period photographs and documents recount the epic story of the Eiffel Tower, and the difficulties encountered by Gustave Eiffel in having this unusual tower built. The exhibition is based on historical research carried out by curator Savin Yeatman-Eiffel for the Association des Descendants de Gustave Eiffel (ADGE). A total of 12 large panels, installed in the center of the forecourt,"invite you to rediscover the incredible race for height" initiated by the engineer. The exhibition also invites visitors to"revisit Eiffel's work in a new light", as Savin Yeatman-Eiffel explains.

The exhibition tells the story of the Tower's genesis, its challenges and the remarkable elements that have marked its history. In particular, we discover the extravagant designs that could have adorned the Champ-de-Mars, and the reactions of 19th-century celebrities to this new monument. In the center of the forecourt, look out for the large QR code on the ground: it gives you access to an augmented reality experience, which brings Gustave Eiffel face to face with us, at the foot of his tower.

Getting your project accepted, bringing it to life by overcoming technical challenges, finding the right balance between aesthetics and solidity... The construction of the Eiffel Tower presented many challenges! Come and discover them in this unique tribute exhibition.