Additional Coverage:
- The Eiffel Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, and More: Photos of 10 Incredible Landmarks Under Construction (wealthgang.com)
From Blueprints to Icons: A Look at Famous Landmarks Under Construction
Before they graced postcards and topped bucket lists, the world’s most iconic landmarks were construction sites, bustling with activity. These rarely seen images offer a glimpse behind the curtain, revealing the hard work and ingenuity that brought these structures to life.
1. The Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)
Parisians initially derided the Eiffel Tower as an eyesore when construction began in 1887. Imagine!
Workers, braving dizzying heights without modern safety harnesses, assembled 18,000 iron components with over 2.5 million rivets. Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s firm for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was meant to be temporary.
Today, it’s the most visited paid monument globally. Talk about a return on investment!
2. Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia)
This architectural marvel, designed by Jørn Utzon, faced numerous challenges. Construction, starting in 1959, ran a decade over schedule.
Its distinctive “sails” were unprecedented, sparking controversy. Now, this icon graces Sydney’s harbor, attracting over 10 million visitors annually.
3. Mount Rushmore (South Dakota, US)
Carved between 1927 and 1941, Mount Rushmore features the visages of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum envisioned full-body statues, but budget and time constraints resulted in the iconic heads.
4. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, US)
Despite beginning during the Great Depression (1933), the Golden Gate Bridge was completed ahead of schedule in 1937. It was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time.
Its “international orange” paint ensured visibility in fog, and the bridge quickly became a symbol of American ingenuity. A safety net, remarkably, saved 19 men during the perilous construction.
5. London’s Tower Bridge (London, UK)
Opened in 1894, Tower Bridge was designed to alleviate traffic without disrupting river navigation. Its innovative bascule (drawbridge) and suspension design were cutting-edge. Built over eight years, its Gothic-revival style complements the nearby Tower of London.
6. Sagrada Família (Barcelona, Spain)
Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882 and remains a work in progress! Gaudí dedicated his life to the project after taking over in 1883.
Funded by donations and ticket sales, each construction phase incorporates modern techniques. Completion is anticipated in late 2026.
7. Empire State Building (New York City, US)
Built at a breathtaking pace (four and a half stories per week!) during the Great Depression, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931.
It held the title of the world’s tallest building for almost 40 years. Its spire was even designed for airship docking – a thankfully abandoned idea.
8. Hoover Dam (Nevada/Arizona, US)
Constructed between 1931 and 1936, the Hoover Dam harnessed the Colorado River, providing power and water to the Southwest. Over 21,000 men toiled under harsh conditions to build the dam, which created Lake Mead, the largest U.S. reservoir.
9. The Statue of Liberty (New York City, US)
Before gracing New York Harbor, Lady Liberty was assembled in Paris. A gift from France, she was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with Gustave Eiffel engineering her internal framework. Shipped in 350 pieces and reassembled on Liberty Island in 1886, she became a beacon of hope for immigrants.