Why the Eiffel Tower Was Hated..

When we think of Paris today, the Eiffel Tower is one of its most iconic and beloved landmarks. But when it was first unveiled in 1889, it was met with widespread hatred, criticism, and even outrage.

The Eiffel Tower was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, marking the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Standing at 300 meters tall, it was the tallest structure in the world at the time. But many Parisians and artists saw it as a metal monstrosity, completely out of place in the elegant and historic cityscape of Paris.

A group of France’s most prominent writers and artists — including Guy de Maupassant, Charles Gounod, and Alexandre Dumas Jr. — signed a public letter titled “Protests by Artists Against the Tower of Monsieur Eiffel.” They called the tower “useless,” “monstrous,” and a “gigantic black smokestack.” Some critics claimed it would ruin the beauty of the city forever.

What bothered people most was its radical design. Paris was known for its graceful stone buildings and intricate architecture. The Eiffel Tower, made entirely of exposed iron, looked more like a factory structure than a romantic monument. To traditionalists, it symbolized the ugly face of modern industry invading culture and beauty. They feared it would overshadow the city’s grand monuments like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. Some even predicted it would collapse due to its unorthodox structure.

But despite the backlash, construction went ahead. And interestingly, even some of its early critics later came to admire it. Guy de Maupassant, who once hated the tower, supposedly ate lunch at its restaurant regularly — because it was the only place in Paris where he didn’t have to look at it.

Over time, the Eiffel Tower became a symbol of innovation, resilience, and national pride. During both World Wars, it stood tall as a beacon of French identity. Today, it's one of the most visited monuments in the world and a global symbol of love and beauty. What was once ridiculed is now revered — proof that public opinion can evolve, and bold ideas can stand the test of time.