Eiffel Tower Day at Shades of Gray

On this day in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was first opened to the public. Here are some pictures that capture its beauty and majesty.

 

At the Eiffel Tower

On March 31, 1889, Gustave Eiffel led the first tour group up the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was supposed to be a temporary structure (built in part to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution), but it proved to be both valuable as a tourist attraction and a place to put broadcast antennas, so the City of Paris decided to let it stand past the original demolition date of 1909.

 

The Eiffel Tower has now stood for 133 years, longer than many structures that were supposed to be permanent. You can read about the construction and history of the tower by clicking here... or you can just enjoy the pictures.