The Eiffel Tower, a remarkable feat of engineering, was officially completed and opened for public viewing in Paris. Designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company, the structure was built as an entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The construction took just over two years and faced its share of criticism from prominent Parisians who deemed this iron structure an eyesore. However, the ingenious design and the innovative use of wrought iron made it a masterpiece of industrial architecture. The tower stands at 300 meters tall, a record height for its time, and was celebrated as a symbol of modernity and progress.

The inauguration was marked by an elaborate ceremony that drew attention from visitors and dignitaries alike. Gustave Eiffel himself had famously ascended the tower and planted the French flag at its pinnacle, a testament to its completion. The structure's unique design, skillfully utilizing over 18,000 individual parts and 2.5 million rivets, allowed it to withstand wind forces, a major consideration in its engineering. As the public accessed the tower through elevators, they were treated to sweeping views of Paris and the surrounding landscape, which had never been experienced from such great heights before.

Since its opening, the Eiffel Tower has undergone numerous transformations, including lighting enhancements and the addition of observation decks. It became a canvas for artistic light displays and an icon of French culture and architectural excellence. The tower not only represented a significant technological advancement but also attracted millions of visitors, establishing its reputation as one of the most recognizable structures globally and a landmark of Paris.