A century ago, in 1923, the world lost Gustave Eiffel, a visionary engineer whose legacy transcends the decades. Best known for his ‘300-metre tower’ in Paris, Eiffel had already left his mark on the field of metal bridges long before this emblematic project.

The Musée d’Orsay celebrates the innovative engineer he was by highlighting the crucial importance of metal bridges in his career and his legacy as an entrepreneur. His early triumphs, such as the Bordeaux railway footbridge and the Garabit viaduct in France, and the Maria Pia bridge over the Douro in Porto abroad, bear witness to his early genius in the design and construction of metal structures.

Thanks to his many technological innovations and his visionary spirit, Gustave Eiffel was able to turn his bold vision into reality with the creation of the famous ‘300-metre Tower’ for the Universal Exhibition of 1889. Today, this emblematic tower remains the eternal symbol of his ingenuity and his remarkable contribution to world architecture.

Date : until 04 February 2024

Venue : Musée d’Orsay

Address : Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estain, 75007 Paris

Full price : €16

Transport : bus 68, 69, 73 Musée d’Orsay station