The Eiffel Tower is officially opened.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic structures in the world, was completed in 1889 as the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company, the tower was initially criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its bold, industrial aesthetic. Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet) today after subsequent additions, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930. Originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years, the Eiffel Tower was saved from demolition due to its usefulness as a radio transmission tower. Over time, it became a beloved symbol of Paris and French artistic and architectural achievement, attracting millions of visitors annually.