The Eiffel Tower and the Zakim Bridge: Landmarks of Structural Art

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This lecture will explore the architectural and engineering challenges and achievements of two important landmarks in Paris and Boston. When completed these landmarks gave a new image to two of the most important historic cities in Europe and North America. The goals and objectives behind their conception will be explained in the context of their past, present and evolving future.

Members

$25

Non-members

$35

About Miguel Rosales

Miguel Rosales is the president and principal designer of Rosales + Partners and an internationally recognized expert in bridge aesthetics and design. He has more than twenty-eight years of experience as a leading bridge architect and designer for major infrastructure projects in the United States and abroad. Prior to forming Rosales + Partners, he provided architectural and urban design services for the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, helping to develop the innovative cable-stayed bridge and guide it through a complex public participation process.

Mr. Rosales received a Diploma in Architecture from the Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala City and a Master of Science in Architectural Studies from MIT. He is noted for his practical ability to balance technical and aesthetic principles, conceiving cost-effective architectural bridge enhancements, and delivering iconic bridges that have become symbols of identity and community pride.

About the Zakim Bridge

The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge was constructed as part of The Big Dig Project in Boston. The Zakim bridge, as it is known locally, is one of the widest cable-stayed bridges in the world and serves as the northern entrance to and exit from Boston. The Bridge is named after civil rights activist Lenny Zakim and the American colonists who fought the British in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Learn More

"The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is setting a wonderful precedent in naming this bridge after Lenny Zakim and the citizens who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill, I am proud that we are celebrating the ideals of patriotism, freedom and diversity by dedicating this bridge in their honor. May this remind us all of the difference that one person's decision to stand up to injustice and fight for freedom, respect and diversity can make in the lives of others and in the history of our nation." - Governor Jane Swift at 2002 Bridge dedication.

About the Eiffel Tower

An object of discord, desire, and fascination, the Eiffel Tower never fails to impress. The plan to build a tower 300 meters high was conceived, as part of a wager, during preparation for the 1889 World's Fair. The wager was "to study the possibility of erecting an iron tower on the Champ-de-Mars with a square base, 125 meters across and 300 meters tall." Gustave Eiffel, an entrepreneur, and his team of two engineers and an architect, accepted the challenge leading to one of today's most recognizable landmarks in the world. Learn More

About Mosaïque

Cultural programs are at the core of the French Library’s mission to promote the vibrant growth of Francophone cultures and the French language in New England. From art exhibits, concerts, and film screenings to author talks and children’s workshops, we continually seek to welcome experts in various cultural fields to provide a window onto the diverse cultures of the Francophone world. In November 2016, the Mosaïque Cultural Fund celebrates five years of providing critical support for exceptional and expanded cultural programming that strives to challenge, educate, excite and inspire our New England communities.

Upcoming Events

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Kids & Families

L'Heure du Conte

French story time!

Saturday, May 9, 2026

We invite parents and children to gather in the children's room of our library for a magical story time in French!

Talks & Discussions

The Monuments of Paris: Rewriting Family History

An Author Talk with Violaine Huisman

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Join us for an evening with acclaimed author Violaine Huisman as she presents her new novel, The Monuments of Paris, a sweeping exploration of family, memory, and a little-known chapter of French history during the Second World War.

Talks & Discussions

Virtual Event: Ann Scott in Conversation

Presented in partnership with Harvard Bookstore

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Join us off-site at Harvard Book Store for a conversation with French author Ann Scott, winner of the 2023 Prix Renaudot, for the release of her cult novel Superstars.

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