The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and a global icon, is undergoing a significant makeover, returning to its original color after 53 years. This transformation will unveil a “yellow brown” hue, reminiscent of its appearance between 1907 and 1947. This vibrant change will be just in time for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, adding a touch of golden brilliance to the cityscape.
This isn’t the first time the Eiffel Tower has donned a new coat of paint. Throughout its history, it has worn a spectrum of colors, each reflecting a different era and aesthetic. This article delves into the captivating history of the tower’s color transformations and explores the meticulous process involved in its current repainting.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Eiffel Tower’s Color Palette
The Eiffel Tower has been a canvas for diverse colors, each adding a unique character to its silhouette. Initially, it was painted “Venetian red” in the workshop, a bold choice for this grand structure. For the 1889 World’s Fair, it was adorned with “red brown”, a shade that reflected the grandeur of the event. In 1899, it embraced a palette of five different shades of yellow, transitioning from a yellow-orange at the base to a lighter yellow at the top.
Gustave Eiffel himself intervened in 1907, opting for a “yellow brown” hue, a decision that shaped the tower’s appearance for nearly four decades. In 1968, the tower was painted “Eiffel Tower brown”, a shade chosen for its harmony with the Parisian cityscape and later trademarked.
The current transformation, commencing in 2019, marks a return to “yellow brown”, a nostalgic tribute to its past. This new hue, similar to its 1907-1947 predecessor, will be applied in three shades, darkest at the base and gradually lightening towards the top, creating a sense of visual unity.
A Symphony of Colors: The Repainting Process
The Eiffel Tower’s repainting is an intricate endeavor, requiring the expertise of specialized professionals and meticulous planning. Every seven years, as recommended by Gustave Eiffel himself, the tower undergoes a complete repainting. This year marks the 20th time it has been repainted since its construction.
This massive project involves removing over 33 tons of old paint and applying 66 tons of new paint. Painters must navigate an area of 2.5 million square feet (equivalent to 35 soccer fields!), working meticulously to ensure a flawless finish.
The Eiffel Tower’s unique structure, with its intricate wrought iron latticework, presents a challenge. Painters must strip off old paint, particularly on the southeast-facing arch, carefully clean the surface, apply rust-proofing, and finally, apply the new coat of paint using traditional paint brushes.
Safety First: Protecting the Painters and the Monument
Safety is paramount during this large-scale project. Painters work at night, after the tower is closed to visitors, utilizing harnesses attached to 31 miles of safety lines for secure movement. Specialized equipment and breathing apparatus are mandatory, as previous layers of paint contained lead.
Falling paint flakes are minimized by safety nets strategically placed around the tower. The team’s tools, including paint pots and brushes, are securely attached to their belts or wrists, ensuring they remain in control at all times.
Impact on Visitors: Enjoying the Eiffel Tower’s Transformation
The Eiffel Tower remains open during the repainting, so visitors can still enjoy its splendor. The scaffolding, however, may be visible from some photo spots, adding a unique perspective to the iconic landmark. But the scaffolding will not impede views from the tower’s platforms, allowing visitors to experience its grandeur unhindered.
The repainting process is a captivating blend of history, artistry, and meticulous planning. As the Eiffel Tower glistens in its new “yellow brown” hue, it will continue to enchant visitors, reminding them of its enduring legacy and the beauty of its ever-evolving persona.
