To think that the building, symbol of Paris par excellence, was to be dismantled after just 20 years from the construction leaves one speechless… Yes, we are talking about the Eiffel Tower, the masterpiece designed by Gustave, the engineer, for the Universal Exhibition of 1889. Despite the fact that the silhouette of the tower has remained the same, there have been several interventions to made its public spaces more accessible to the public. In particular, the first floor – placed 57 meters high – has undergone several renovations in order to remain “up to date”. The original pagodas were replaced in 1937 by buildings close to the Modern style; these were in turn refurbished in 1981; finally, last fall, the “new first tier” was inaugurated, a restoration done by the design study Moatti – Riviére. The architects have rebuilt the pavilions relying on transparent facades that leave the eye free to wander in all directions.
The three structures house a reception centre for tourists with a museum attached, a conference room for 300 people and the refined restaurant, 58 Tour Eiffel. What is breathtaking however is the floor of transparent glass chosen for the panoramic viewpoint. It is a useful ploy to make the structure lighter, but also a way to permit visitors to look in all directions without encountering obstacles. A new reason to return to the French capital and go up the Eiffel Tower, an exciting and dizzying experience well worth the try!