Montparnasse Tower History and Facts
Montparnasse Tower History and Facts
Soar above the Parisian skyline as you embark on a journey through history at the iconic Montparnasse Tower. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to the city’s transformative spirit, offering breathtaking panoramic views that blend past and present.
Delve into the captivating history of the Montparnasse Tower, from its conception as an emblem of modern architecture to its transformation into a cultural hub. Discover the tower’s rich architectural heritage, adorned with Art Deco interiors and a stunning lobby that evokes a bygone era. Unravel the facts and mysteries of the tower’s construction, exploring the engineering feats that brought this soaring landmark to life.
Quick Facts about Montparnasse Tower
- Address: Montparnasse Tower, 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
- Original name: Tour Maine-Montparnasse
- Total height: 210 meters (689 feet)
- Height of observation deck: 196 meters (643 feet)
- Height of roof terrace: 209 meters (686 feet)
- Total floors: 59 (including 6 underground levels)
- Number of elevators: 25, including two panoramic elevators
- Elevator speed:
Panoramic elevators: 5 m/s (16 mph)
Time to reach 56th floor:
Panoramic elevators: 38 seconds, making them the fastest elevators in Europe - Construction started and finished: January 1969 – October 1973
- Architects: Architects: Eugène Beaudouin, Guy Lagneau, and Jean Saubot
- Engineers: Jean Prouvé and Georges Marceau
- Architectural style: Modern architecture with a square base and a tapered top, influenced by the International Style.
- Renowned for its: Panoramic views of Paris from the observation deck, Art Deco interior with a grand staircase, mosaics, and terrazzo flooring.
- Special Events: The tower hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and corporate events. The roof terrace is often used for private events and parties.
- Number of Visitors per Year: 3.5 million
14 Fun Facts about Montparnasse Tower
Explore the enchanting nuances of Milan Cathedral through these intriguing and delightful nuggets of information:
Montparnasse Tower’s Mysterious Vibrations
The Montparnasse Tower has a reputation for being a rather spooky place. One of the reasons behind this reputation is that the tower is known to vibrate mysteriously, especially on windy days. The cause of these vibrations is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to the tower’s unique design and its location in a seismically active area.
A View of the Unseen
Visitors to the Montparnasse Tower’s observation deck are treated to stunning panoramic views of Paris. But did you know that the tower’s observation deck offers the only place in the city where you can see the tower itself? This is because the tower’s design allows it to be seen from all sides, but its tapered shape makes it difficult to see from within the city.
A Legacy of Protest
The Montparnasse Tower has been the site of several protests and demonstrations over the years. In 1973, just two years after it opened, a group of environmental activists occupied the tower’s roof to protest its construction. More recently, in 2010, a group of artists and activists occupied the tower’s observation deck to protest the French government’s proposed reforms to labor laws.
A Secret Garden
On the roof terrace of the Montparnasse Tower, you’ll find a hidden garden with lush greenery and a charming pavilion. This tranquil oasis is a welcome escape from the bustling city below.
A Secret Room
The Montparnasse Tower is home to a secret room that is only accessible to a few select individuals. This room is located on the 56th floor and is said to contain a treasure trove of historical artifacts and documents related to the tower’s construction and history.
A Haunted Elevator
One of the elevator shafts in the Montparnasse Tower is said to be haunted. According to legend, several accidents have occurred in this shaft, and some people believe that the spirits of those who died there still linger. Visitors to the tower often report feeling a chill or a sense of unease when they ride in this elevator.
A Symbol of Controversy
The Montparnasse Tower has been a controversial structure since its inception. Some critics decry its modern architecture, which clashes with the traditional Parisian skyline, while others lament its impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Despite the controversy, the tower remains a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Paris’s modern era.
The Tower’s Foundations Reach Deep Beneath Paris
The Montparnasse Tower’s foundations extend an impressive 70 meters (230 feet) underground, making them among the deepest foundations of any building in Europe. This is due to the sandy soil conditions in the area, which required a strong foundation to support the tower’s weight.
A Symbol of Transformation
The Montparnasse Tower stands as a tangible symbol of Paris’s transformation from a medieval city to a modern metropolis. Its construction in the 1970s marked a shift away from the traditional Parisian architecture of smaller buildings and narrow streets.
A Green Initiative
The Montparnasse Tower is committed to sustainability and environmental protection. The tower’s energy consumption is significantly lower than other skyscrapers of its size, and it utilizes a rainwater harvesting system to reduce its water usage. These efforts reflect the tower’s commitment to environmental responsibility and its role as a model for sustainable urban development.
A Beacon of Lights
During the holiday season, the Montparnasse Tower transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle of lights, illuminating the Paris skyline with an enchanting display of festive cheer. The tower’s exterior is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from around the city to admire its festive transformation.
A Vantage Point for Aviation Enthusiasts
Aviation enthusiasts will delight in the Montparnasse Tower’s proximity to Le Bourget Airport, one of the busiest airports in France. From the observation deck, you can witness the breathtaking spectacle of airplanes taking off and landing, offering a unique perspective on the world of aviation.
A Symbol of Resilience and Renewal
The Montparnasse Tower has experienced its share of challenges, including a fire in 2015 that caused significant damage. However, the tower has demonstrated remarkable resilience, undergoing extensive renovations and emerging even stronger. This resilience mirrors the city of Paris itself, which has faced its own share of trials and tribulations but has always emerged stronger and more vibrant.
Top of Paris for 3 decades
The construction of Montparnasse Tower was completed in 1973. The skyscraper was the tallest building in Paris until the construction of the Eiffel Tower’s broadcasting spire in 2005.
History of Montparnasse Tower: Chronological Timeline
1966
The Montparnasse Tower project is first proposed by Société de Construction de la Tour Maine-Montparnasse (SCTMM), a consortium of developers.
1969 – 1973
Construction of the Montparnasse Tower begins. The tower is designed by architects Eugène Beaudouin, Guy Lagneau, and Jean Saubot, with engineers Jean Prouvé and Georges Marceau.
1973
The Montparnasse Tower is officially inaugurated on June 18th. It stands at 210 meters (690 feet), making it the tallest building in Paris at the time.
1970s-1980s
Despite its popularity among tourists, the Montparnasse Tower faces criticism from some Parisians who believe that it disrupts the city’s skyline and clashes with its traditional architecture.
1990s
The tower undergoes renovations to improve its energy efficiency and sustainability.
2000s
The Montparnasse Tower remains a popular tourist destination, offering panoramic views of Paris from its observation deck.
2005
The Eiffel Tower’s broadcasting spire is added, making it taller than the Montparnasse Tower. However, the Montparnasse Tower remains the tallest free-standing structure in Paris.
2015
A fire breaks out in the Montparnasse Tower, causing significant damage to the building. The tower undergoes extensive renovations and reopens in 2017.
Present
The Montparnasse Tower continues to be a landmark of Paris, drawing millions of visitors each year. It is home to offices, apartments, and a hotel, as well as restaurants, shops, and a panoramic observation deck.
Future
The future of the Montparnasse Tower is uncertain. Some have proposed demolishing the tower and replacing it with a more modern structure. Others argue that the tower is an important part of Paris’s history and should be preserved. Only time will tell what the future holds for this iconic landmark.
History of Montparnasse Tower: In-Depth Summary
Learn about the rich history of Montparnasse Tower through our comprehensive overview below, arranged in chronological sections:
Tickets for Montparnasse Tower in Paris
Explore our thoughtfully assembled assortment of tickets and guided tours for the Montparnasse Tower.
Paris: Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket
8K+ Reviews
From €21
“I can recommend everyone to visit the observation deck on the Tour Montparnasse when the weather is good…..”
Montparnasse Tower + Seine River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches
100+ Reviews
From €28
Tiqets
“One of the best values for our money in Paris. We had a great time on the boat and watching the sunset from the tower...”
