The Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance gateway to the International Exposition of 1889, which was organized by the French government to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer whose company specialized in building metal frameworks. The tower was constructed from 1887 to 1889 and was officially opened on March 31, 1889. Despite initial criticism from some Parisians who considered it an eyesore, the Eiffel Tower has become an iconic symbol of France and a popular tourist attraction, welcoming almost 7 million visitors a year.