Eiffel Tower
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Real Identity: Not Applicable
Appearances (BTAS): Batgirl Returns
Appearances (JL/U): Secret Origins Part One, Maid of Honor Part One, and Destroyer
Powers/Skills: Landmark, Viewing, and Radio Broadcast
Voiced By: Not Applicable
Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower as the entrance way to the 1888 World's Fair in Barcelona, Spain. It was deemed too expensive and didn't match the sentiment of the city. During the centennial celebration of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower design was accepted as the entrance way to Paris' 1889 World's Fair. In one year, 300 workers connected 18,038 pieces of puddled iron with 2.5 million rivets. Movable stagings, guard-rails and screens were put in place to minimize the danger of the open frame. Officially, Eiffel was the contractor, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier were the structural engineers, and Stephen Sauvestre, the architect. The Eiffel Tower was inaugurated on March 31, 1889 and opened on May 6, 1889.
The public hated the Tower and considered it an eyesore. The City of Paris planned to dismantle it in 1909 but the Tower became useful as an important communications hub during World War I and remained standing. In modern times, it is considered an important piece of structural art and is the most visited paid monument in the world. Since 1889, it has reportedly had 200 million visitors, including Wonder Woman and then Princess Audrey II. It has been repaired over the years and has a new coat of paint every year, usually 60 tonnes total. It has served as the inspiration for replica towers across the world and in Hollywood, a shot of the Tower is often seen in the movies despite that very few buildings in Paris have a clear view of it. During a Wayne Enterprises merger, Bruce Wayne stayed in Paris briefly and had an impressive view of the Eiffel Tower. Years later, the Eiffel Tower became something of a favorite target by alien invaders. The Imperium and the forces of Apokolips, in particular, have either attacked or occupied it.