The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris brought a dazzling visual to the city’s skyline: giant Olympic rings adorned the iconic Eiffel Tower. The spectacle captivated many, leading Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to propose a permanent installation of the symbol. However, this idea faced opposition from unexpected quarters: the descendants of Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s engineer.
A Legacy of Controversy: The Eiffel Tower and Its Rings
The Association of Descendants of Gustave Eiffel (AGDE), representing Eiffel’s family, expressed their disapproval, arguing that the Eiffel Tower, a historical symbol of France, should not be permanently associated with an external organization, even one as esteemed as the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
They emphasized the temporary nature of the Olympic Games, rotating every four years. They also pointed out that the Eiffel Tower has historically served as a platform for important causes, such as supporting Ukraine during the Russian invasion, showcasing its adaptability and neutrality.
Mayor Hidalgo’s Vision: A Lasting Legacy of the Games
Despite the concerns, Mayor Hidalgo remains steadfast in her decision to keep the rings. She views them as a visible symbol of the success of the Paris Games and the renewed enthusiasm for the city among its citizens. She also sees the rings as a way to preserve the spirit of celebration that permeated the event.
Hidalgo plans to address the issue of conflicting causes by devising a method to conceal the rings during specific events. She also intends to commission a lighter version of the rings from the steel producer ArcelorMittal, allowing for their long-term display.
A Tower of Controversy: From Advertising to Olympics
The AGDE expressed their acceptance of the rings’ temporary presence beyond the Paralympics but emphasized that the Eiffel Tower is not meant to be an advertising platform. Ironically, the tower has served this purpose in the past, most notably with a massive Citroën advertisement spanning from the top to the second platform from 1925 to 1934.
This historical precedent raises questions about the appropriateness of the Olympic rings’ permanent installation. While some might view the rings as a fitting symbol of peace and international cooperation, others argue for preserving the tower’s historical integrity and neutrality.
A Battle for the Eiffel Tower: Heritage vs. Modernity
France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, a former mayoral candidate, has expressed concerns regarding the historic status of the Eiffel Tower. She believes the tower’s protected status requires thorough procedures and consultations before any permanent alterations.
While the Eiffel Tower is considered a historical monument, it lacks formal classification as one, which would grant it greater protection. This lack of classification fuels the ongoing debate, with Mayor Hidalgo having rejected a proposal to formally classify the tower.
A Legacy of the Games: Beyond the Rings
If Mayor Hidalgo’s vision prevails, the Olympic rings won’t be the only lasting reminder of the 2024 Games in Paris.
She aims to permanently install Mathieu Lehanneur’s floating Olympic cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens, a decision awaiting approval from President Emmanuel Macron. She also intends to place the 10 monuments of historic French women, unveiled during the opening ceremonies, along the rue de La Chapelle.
These plans signal a desire to integrate the legacy of the 2024 Olympics into the fabric of Parisian life, creating a lasting tribute to the Games and the spirit of international cooperation they represent. However, the debate surrounding the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower highlights the complex interplay between heritage, modernity, and the ever-evolving landscape of iconic structures.
