On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower marked a major milestone as its construction was officially completed—aside from the lifts. To celebrate the occasion, Gustave Eiffel personally led a group of city officials and journalists on a climb to the summit, offering them the very first breathtaking view of Paris from what was then the tallest structure in the world.   However, the general public had to wait until May 15 for their turn to ascend the tower, and even then, there was a significant challenge: the lifts were still unfinished. Anyone eager to reach the top had to make the arduous climb up all 1,710 steps, a journey that took about an hour. It wasn’t until May 26 that the lifts were finally operational, making the ascent far easier and more accessible to visitors.

Originally constructed as the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, the Eiffel Tower embodied the essence of the Art Nouveau movement, characterized by its elegant curves, organic forms, and intricate iron framework. While many critics at the time dismissed it as an eyesore that clashed with Paris’s classical beauty, the tower eventually won over both locals and visitors, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in the world.

Beyond its architectural brilliance, the Eiffel Tower quickly became an integral part of artistic and cultural expression. Its distinctive lattice structure and towering presence inspired countless painters, photographers, and writers, ensuring that its legacy would endure not just as an engineering marvel, but also as a powerful symbol of creativity and artistic vision.