zoom_in Click to enlarge

Gustave Eiffel

▲ ▼

description Gustave Eiffel Overview

Gustave Eiffel was a French civil engineer whose innovative designs profoundly impacted structural engineering during the 19th century. He is best known for the iconic Eiffel Tower and his crucial role constructing the internal framework of the Statue of Liberty. His pioneering application of wrought iron revolutionized building techniques, primarily benefiting architects, builders, and those studying industrial advancements in construction and monumental projects.

help Gustave Eiffel FAQ

What did Gustave Eiffel design inside the Statue of Liberty?

Eiffel designed the internal iron pylon and secondary skeletal framework that supports the copper skin. The flexible structure lets the statue withstand wind and temperature changes without relying on the copper shell for all its strength.

When was the Eiffel Tower completed?

The Eiffel Tower was completed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Gustave Eiffel's company supervised the construction of the tower's iron lattice structure.

How tall is the main internal pylon of the Statue of Liberty?

The central pylon designed for the Statue of Liberty is about 92 feet, or 28 meters, tall. It acts as the primary support for the statue's internal framework.

Was Gustave Eiffel the architect of the Eiffel Tower?

Eiffel was the engineer and company leader responsible for the tower's structural design and construction, while architects Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier developed the original concept with architect Stephen Sauvestre. The tower opened for the 1889 Paris exposition.