The Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay were built on the occasion of the Universal Exposition of 1889 and 1900, respectively. The first monument became a national symbol; and the second houses the largest Impressionist collection in the world.
Eiffel Tower
Its construction, in addition to having a function as a radio transmitter, was considered a symbol of technological progress in the 19th century.
It managed to surprise the local and international public with its height and daring design.
It is a site that inspires artists and makes everyone dream that the unattainable can be achieved, which is why it is called the “Achievable Utopia”.
The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was only intended to last 20 years.
Eiffel Tower 6 (2020-02-06/2020-02-06) by Kayla Koss
The Eiffel Tower's construction took 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days.
To protect iron from corrosion, it must be repainted every 7 years. This process was suggested by Gustave Eiffel and it is still respected to date.
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower weighs approximately 10,100 tons?
The metal framework alone weighs 7,300 tons while the paint that protects the structure “only” weighs 60 tons.
Musee d'Orsay
Musée d’Orsay
Built on the ashes of what was a royal palace, the Musée d’Orsay was a train station with innovative elements for that time.
With a massive stone façade and a huge clock, the site still retains its appearance as a train station.
The museum houses the most famous collection of 19th-century Impressionist works.
Musée d'Orsay (2020-02-06/2020-02-06) by ZZ3701
A total of 12,000 tons of metal were used in the construction of the Musée d’ Orsay which is more than the amount used to build the Eiffel Tower.
Italian architect Gae Aulenti designed the interior of the Musée d’Orsay.
Did you know that In 1961, Orson Welles shot The Trial, adapted from Kafka’s masterpiece, at Musée d’Orsay?
The Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay are part of the French people's identity and two of the most iconic monuments in the whole world.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.