The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic structures in the world, almost looked entirely different. Before Gustave Eiffel’s design was chosen, numerous alternative proposals were submitted for consideration. These designs ranged from fantastical to bizarre, reflecting the imagination and architectural trends of the late 19th century.

Some rejected designs featured ornate and overly decorative elements, aligning with the prevailing styles of the time, while others were radically modern, resembling industrial machinery. One proposal even imagined the tower as a giant guillotine, symbolizing revolutionary France.

Although these designs were ultimately dismissed, they serve as a fascinating glimpse into what might have been and how artistic vision shapes architectural history.