The lightning construction of the Eiffel Tower, in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days, is considered a demonstration of French industrial genius personified by the engineer Gustave Eiffel. His “utopia” was born in 1889 on the occasion of the World Fair in Paris. The tower thrilled Parisians, who jostled to get up there because it was the first time it was possible to see the city from above. Visitors climbed the 1,710 steps on foot before the lifts were even operational. The tower was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years. It was saved from destruction by scientific experiments conducted by Gustave Eiffel at the top of the tower.