Eiffel Tower

(Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas)

The Eiffel Tower impressively demostrates the enormous technical possibilities made available by steel structures. It therefore represents one of the prime monuments of the industial age. The structure has its own unique beauty. However, many thought that iron and steel were false, not worthy of use in artistic design. The Eiffel Tower consequently became known as the "shame of Paris" and was originally to have been demolished immediately after the World Exhibition. Two months after the start of construction, a group of Parisian artists presented a petition to the government to stop the Tower from being built. They condemned the Tower on aesthetic grounds, calling it "The shame of Paris".

Once the tower was built, it's graceful lines and delicate filigree effect of it's many bars appeased some of it's critics. Nevertheless, after the exhibition, there were demands that the Tower be demolished. Initially opposed by the city's artistic and literary elite, who were only affirming their right to disagree with everything, the tower was almost torn down in 1909. It was spared when it proved an ideal platform for the antennas needed for the new science of radio telegraphy. To some this iron and steel skeleton was a work of art that symbolized the age of science and progress. To others, it was a monstrosity that should be torn down. It was a successful tourist attraction. People were able to view their surroundings from dizzy heights. The Tower was designed to last 20 years, as a temporary attraction. The Tower still stands today, more than 100 years later, as the most famous landmark in Paris.