The Eiffel Tower was illuminated as part of Paris's major New Year's Eve celebration for the year 2000.
Paris used its most recognizable landmark for the millennium festivities, including a spectacular lighting and fireworks presentation around the Eiffel Tower. The event helped establish the tower as a dramatic backdrop for large public celebrations and international television coverage at the turn of the millennium.
The tower had already been illuminated for many occasions since its construction, but the year 2000 celebration was especially notable for its scale and timing. The monument was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle and originally stood as a temporary exhibition structure before becoming a permanent symbol of Paris.
A frequent confusion is to attribute every famous Eiffel Tower light display to New Year's Eve. The tower also has regular evening illumination, special anniversary shows, and celebrations connected with events such as France's national holiday. The specific millennium celebration belongs to the transition from 1999 to 2000.