High above Paris, a lone skyscraper pierces the clouds. This is the Tour Montparnasse. Montparnasse Tower has a fascinating history. It stands as a testament to both ambition and architectural controversy.
Let’s journey back to the origins of Montparnasse. The name comes from a rural hill. Students in the 17th century likened it to Mount Parnassus. That was the dwelling place of the Muses in Greek mythology.
In the 18th century, Montparnasse transformed. Cabarets and dance halls sprang up. They were exempt from taxes on alcoholic beverages. Bobino became a famous venue. Singers like Edith Piaf entertained guests there. Later, famous cafes emerged. Le Dôme, La Rotonde, Le Select and La Coupole became artist hangouts. Expats from Germany, Russia and America gathered there. The Roaring Twenties brought curious people to dance. Today, Montparnasse has regained its old vitality.
The story of Montparnasse Tower started in 1934. The French rail company decided Gare Montparnasse no longer met its needs. After 25 years, a reconstruction project emerged. The train station would move. The freed-up land would serve new purposes.
In 1959, the first studies for Montparnasse Tower began. The historic project faced criticism for its height. In the 1960s, four architects designed the winning project. Urbain Cassan, Eugène Beaudouin, Louis de Hoïm de Marien and Jean Saubot collaborated. In 1968, the Minister of Culture granted the building permit. In 1969, President Georges Pompidou approved construction. He wanted to modernize the capital’s infrastructure. Construction on Montparnasse Tower could then begin.
In April 1970, workers laid the first stone. The first step was removing 420,000 cubic meters of rubble. Montparnasse Tower needed to be constructed over the metro for urban planning reasons. A reinforced-concrete shell protected it.
In October 1970, the foundations were complete. By March 1972, the tower reached 200 meters. It had 57 storeys. In December 1972, a radio wave relay station and a heliport were installed. This became the Montparnasse Tower Terrace. After nearly four years, Montparnasse Tower was inaugurated. That was on 18 June 1973. It became the only skyscraper in Paris.
The Tour Montparnasse quickly became one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. It has 59 floors. It is 210 meters high. The Tower is Paris’ tallest building. It is the only skyscraper in the city.
The Montparnasse Tower is named after its neighborhood. In the 17th century, students recited poems on a small hill. The hill took the name of Mount Parnassus. It is a mythical Greek mountain dedicated to the arts.
From 1900, Montparnasse became the heart of Parisian artistic and intellectual life. Many foreign artists moved here. Modigliani, Zadkine and Chagall were among them. Affordable rents attracted them. The Montparnasse neighborhood is home to a famous cemetery and the Observatoire de Paris.
The Tour Montparnasse offers incredible views. A lightning-fast elevator rises to the 56th floor in 38 seconds. The 56th floor is an observation deck. Visitors can admire breathtaking views. Interactive facilities aid in interpreting the city. There is also a bar, restaurant, café and souvenir shop. The 59th floor is an outdoor terrace. It offers a 360-degree view of Paris. Telescopes and orientation tables help visitors.
The Tour Montparnasse weighs 150,000 tons. It has an oval shape. It receives 1.2 million visitors per year. The rest of the Tower welcomes 5,000 employees daily. The Montparnasse Tower restaurant is the highest in Europe.
Despite initial criticism, the Tour Montparnasse stands tall. It offers a unique perspective of Paris. From its heights, one can see the city’s beauty.