What Was Built in Paris During the Exposition Universelle?

By Robert Palmer

Paris has always been known for its rich history, culture and architecture. The city has seen significant changes over the years, but one event that stands out in the city’s history is the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

This event was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and brought together people from all over the world to showcase their technological advancements and cultural heritage. The exposition also gave birth to some iconic structures that still stand tall in Paris today.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is arguably one of Paris’s most famous landmarks, and it was built for the Exposition Universelle. Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer, designed and oversaw the construction of this towering structure that stands at 1,063 feet tall. At first, many Parisians were against the idea of building such a massive structure in their city, but it eventually became a symbol of France’s engineering prowess.

The Grand Palais

Another notable structure built for the Exposition Universelle was the Grand Palais. This massive building was constructed on the Champs-Élysées and served as an exhibition hall during the event. The Grand Palais was designed by three architects: Henri Deglane, Albert Louvet, and Albert Thomas.

The Petit Palais

The Petit Palais is another iconic structure that was built for the Exposition Universelle. It is located near the Grand Palais and served as an art museum during the event. The building has a beautiful blend of Baroque and Renaissance styles in its architecture.

The Galerie des Machines

The Galerie des Machines was a massive building constructed specifically for the exhibition’s machinery section. It was designed by Ferdinand Dutert and Victor Contamin and featured two huge towers at either end with a large central nave topped with a glass roof.

  • The Palace of Electricity – This structure housed the electrical exhibits during the exposition. It was designed by Eugène Hénard and featured a massive central dome and four towers at each corner.
  • The Palace of Fine Arts – Another notable building constructed for the exposition was The Palace of Fine Arts. It was designed by Charles Girault and housed some of the most exquisite artworks from around the world.

The Exposition Universelle of 1889 brought together some of the brightest minds and most talented architects from around the world. The event showcased some of the most incredible technological advancements and cultural heritage exhibits. Today, Paris still stands tall with these iconic structures that remind us of this historic event.