The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, turns 120 and the Mayor of Paris organized a gigantic fireworks’ spectacle on July 14th, Bastille Day.
«...On May 15, 1889, the Eiffel Tower opened its door to the public, a few days after the inauguration of the Universal Exposition, and was the uncontested attraction of the event. 120 years later in 2009, the Mayor of Paris and the operating company, Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, have organized a series of events to celebrate the Tower’s anniversary...
* «...“Tales of the Eiffel Tower”, Exhibit-Visit, from May 15 to December 31, 2009...
On the first floor and stairs of the Eiffel Tower“Tales of the Eiffel Tower” invites people from around the world to discover the beginnings of the Tower, its successful image, its highlights, replicas and souvenirs, what goes on behind the scenes. Visitors are invited to take a tour of the Tower, bone up on what they know and take a new look at the monument as seen through the many objects, posters, photos, engravings, illustrations and also films and interactive displays.
More than 100 illustrious panels, certain complete with monitors, games, and interactivity take the visitor into the heart of the monument, the passageways and the stairs of the Tower. A big tent has been installed on the platform overlooking the Champ de Mars which houses a cinema theatre and its bar.In the Ferrie Pavilion, more than 300 reproductions of the Tower of all shapes and sizes fill a curiosity display while the gallery room is showcasing works of art which drew inspiration from the “Lady of Iron.”
*120 classes for 120 years – In partnership with Fondation EIFFAGE
120 classes or groups of children in schools participating in the “priority education” program in Paris and the surrounding suburbs are invited on a complete guided tour of the Tower especially conceived for them. At least 3,500 students are expected to go on this VIP visit between the months of April and December.
* “Rispal, a Collector’s Passion”, Exhibit from July 20 – August 23
The Gustave Eiffel Room located on the first floor is presenting the Josette Rispal collection (in part), including various objects, engravings and other items revolving around the Eiffel Tower and the Universal Expositions (1889 et 1900). It was her father Antonin Rispal (1920-2003), an art collector/dealer passionate for modern art, who constituted this impressive collection over the years which reveals the technological and industrial boom of the period through such items as photos, engravings, dishware, posters and more.
* Largest towers in the world meet for a conference in September at the Eiffel Tower.
Honoring the Eiffel Tower on its 120th anniversary, a conference exploring sustainable development and the role of large towers is to be held from September 28 to October 1, bringing together 20 participants representing the 20 largest towers in the four corners of the world.
Eiffel Tower Magazine
* A 52-page magazine will be published for the occasion, to be sold in the Tower shops and at the Paris airports.
* Special ticket design for 120 years
Entrance tickets for Tower visits have joined in on the celebrations and have changed to the Tower’s anniversary colors since May 15 and throughout the year 2009...»
«...EVENTS ORGANIZED BY THE MAYOR OF PARIS
As the Eiffel Tower belongs to the City of Paris, the Mayor is proposing two important events for the occasion:
* “Gustave Eiffel, Iron Magician”, a magnificent exhibit on display in the St Jean Room at the Hotel de Ville, from May 7 through August 31, 2009. As the first ever retrospective exhibit devoted exclusively to the great engineer, it presents Eiffel’s career milestones that are spread all over the continent.
* The traditional Bastille Day firework display
celebrating this French national holiday will exceptionally use the monument to send up an Eiffel Tower-themed firework display...»
