The Eiffel Tower celebrates its 120th birthday this year, and Paris is honouring its creator Gustave Eiffel with this exhibition about the man who not only gave the country its most recognisable symbol but also was behind numerous beautiful bridges and other impressive powerful and poetic constructions…

photos : JasonW

His « 1,000 foot tower » (now 324 metres high thanks to a few aerials) made France famous by its audacity  and steadfast ingenuity. But Gustave Eiffel, who was born in  1832 and died (in Paris actually) in 1923 left his mark elsewhere too, not just over Europe but also in Asia, Africa and the United States. Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Egypt, Mexico , Cambodia and Laos all have something to thank him for.

The exhibition « Gustave Eiffel, le magicien du fer » (Gustave Eiffel, master of metal) at Hôtel de Ville retraces the immense career of this exceptional engineer and his incredible research work with the help of a rich collection of original documents. An important part will be given to the Tower and various projects that accompanied its conception: rival projects, ideas – some quite surprising – for modifications… The exhibition also shows the influence that the Eiffel Tower had on artists all through the 20th Century.

Other events are also planned for the tower’s 120th anniversary:

- From 15th May – 31st December 2009, on the tower itself, another exhibition called The Eiffel Tower Epic (L’épopée Tour Eiffel) shows how the monument was conceived, explains the incredible success of its image, shows its heyday and gives away a few secrets too!

- For 120 classes for 120 years (120 classes pour 120 ans,) the tower will be visited by nearly 3,500 children from schools in Paris and the nearby suburbs who will be given a VIP tour.

- Representative and managers from 28 towers around the world belonging to the World Federation of Great Towers will be meeting up at the Eiffel Tower in September.

- To close the anniversary year, professionals from the tourist trade will meet at the tower to discuss innovation in tourism and sustainable development.

- ANd don’t forget that the traditional firework display on the 14th July will be a special homage to Gustave Eiffel and his tower. Should be memorable!

The exhibition Gustave Eiffel, le Magicien du Fer can be seen at the Hôtel de Ville – Salle Saint Jean, 5 rue de Lobau – (map here) from 7th May – 29th August 2009 every day except Sundays and public holidays from 10am – 7pm. Admission is free.

For more information (in French only unfortunately) about the exhibition and other events organised for the 120 year anniversary of the Eiffel Tower, check out the official site here.