The Eiffel Tower was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the centre piece of the 1889 World's Fair and, although initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It is the most visited paid entry monument in the world.

The tower is 330 metres (1,083 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower became the tallest man-made structure in the world  until the Chrysler Building in New York City was finished in 1930.

The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels. The top level's upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground – the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union. Tickets can be purchased to ascend by stairs or lift to the first and second levels. The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the climb from the first level to the second. Although there is a staircase to the top level, it is usually accessible only by lift.

This impressive Meccano model was displayed at Alexandra Palace in 2019 by Greg Worwood.