Get ready to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle! In preparation for the 2024 Olympics, Paris’ iconic landmark is getting a makeover. This isn’t just any ordinary paint job; it’s a return to the tower’s original golden hue.
A Glimpse of Gold
Back in 2017, the Eiffel Tower proudly donned the Olympic colours, signaling Paris’ bid to host the Games. Simultaneously, it embarked on a major restoration project, celebrating its 132nd birthday. The goal? To restore the tower’s original “yellow-brown” color, giving it a radiant golden look.
“This will give the Eiffel Tower a more gilded appearance for the Olympics,” exclaimed Patrick Branco Ruivo, Managing Director of Sete, the company responsible for the tower’s operations. “If you look at the upper section, you can already see the new color. It’s not a drastic change, but against a clear blue Parisian sky, you’ll notice a metallic, shiny sheen.”
Challenges and Delays
The painting process, which began in 2019, has faced unexpected hurdles. The pandemic disrupted preparations, and the discovery of high lead levels in previous layers of paint further complicated the project. This means the Eiffel Tower, in its 20th paint campaign since 1889, won’t be fully restored in time for the Olympics.
However, specific sections of the tower will be repainted, bringing back a taste of its early 20th-century golden glow.
A Colorful History
The Eiffel Tower’s unique charm lies not only in its structure but also in its ever-changing colors. Each paint job tells a story, adding a unique layer to the tower’s history.
Over the years, the tower has sported seven distinct shades. Gustave Eiffel himself chose the initial color in 1887-1888, opting for “Venice red,” a shade specially created for the medieval city.
Evolving with the Times
In May 1889, the tower received its first makeover, replacing the Venice red with a reddish-brown hue. Just three years later, it was time for a new look, with a golden ochre-brown replacing the reddish-brown. This color remained for seven years, until 1899.
For the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower received a bold color fade, transitioning from orange at the base to a light yellow at the top. This signaled the start of regular seven-year repainting cycles, ensuring the tower’s ongoing maintenance.
A Golden Era
In 1907, at Gustave Eiffel’s request, the tower embraced a light yellow-brown tint. This shade lasted until 2022, a remarkable testament to the tower’s enduring elegance.
The tower took on a reddish-brown hue in 1954, almost restoring its original color. This change coincided with the installation of a lighthouse at the tower’s summit, further solidifying its presence in the Parisian skyline.
An Iconic Shade
Finally, in 1968, the 324-meter-high tower embraced its most recognizable shade, the famous “Eiffel Tower brown.” This unique color was specially developed for the monument, forever linking the tower with its iconic status.
A Golden Future
The Eiffel Tower’s transformation for the 2024 Olympics is a testament to its ongoing evolution. While the complete restoration might not be finished in time for the Games, the partial return to its original golden hue promises a dazzling spectacle for visitors and athletes alike. The Eiffel Tower, always a symbol of Parisian elegance and innovation, is ready to shine anew, welcoming the world to a truly golden experience.
