Since it was built for exhibit purposes within a large metropolis, and its design made it difficult to aim at astronomical objects, it was not suited for scientific use.

The telescope had two interchangeable objective lenses (for visual and photographic use respectively) 1.25 m (49 in) in diameter, with a focal length of 57 m (187 ft).

The tube, oriented north-south, was made up of 24 cylinders 1.5 m (59 in) in diameter and rested on 7 concrete and steel pillars; its axis was 7 m (23 ft) above the floor.

As well several large photographs of the surface of the Moon, made by Charles Le Morvan (1865–1933), were published in the Strand Magazine, November 1900.

The 2-metre (6.6 ft) diameter mirror is on display at the Observatoire de Paris, and two of the lenses have recently been discovered in packing crates in the basement.

As the centrepiece of an exhibition showcasing the best of the recent advances in industry and technology, it nonetheless served a purpose.