The Eiffel Tower was inaugurated at 1:30 p.m. on March 31st, 1889, on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition. When Gustave Eiffel planted the French flag at its summit (1023 ft / 312 m), workers were still working on the interior fittings and the elevators were not yet working (they entered service on May 26th). The tower turned 130 in 2019 and experienced two world wars during which it too was mobilized by the French army. Although decried at the start, it has become an essential symbol of Paris and France throughout the world.