What would Paris be without its tower? Initially criticized and hated by many Parisians when it was officially unveiled in 1887, the Eiffel Tower has become a powerful symbol of Paris and France. It’s impossible to take a stroll through the capital without greeting the Iron Lady! What was originally intended to be a temporary structure has won the hearts of the French—and tourists from around the world—for nearly 140 years. Instantly recognizable by its appearance, shape, and signature “Eiffel Tower yellow-brown” color, the tower is about to undergo a historic transformation by changing its color… And you’ll be able to admire this change starting in April!
A new color for the Eiffel Tower, visible starting in April
While its current yellow-brown color is the one chosen by Gustave Eiffel in 1907, it was actually red that was applied when it left the workshops. This highly recognizable “Venice red” made the Eiffel Tower shine during its construction between 1887 and 1888. A color subsequently covered by a thick layer of reddish-brown paint, starting in 1889 and lasting for four years! So it has been over 130 years since we last saw it in red!
What if we told you that this year, the Iron Lady is going to don her “Venice red” coat? As she approaches her 140th anniversary, the beautiful Eiffel Tower will begin its 21st major painting campaign, and this time it’s a tribute to her origins with a color far more visible than her previous one. An impressive undertaking that you’ll be able to admire throughout April…
Did you take the bait? April Fools’ Day! On this April 1st, jokes are allowed! No, our beloved Eiffel Tower won’t be painted red. It will keep its magnificent yellow-brown color, which the whole world got to admire during the Olympics! So there’s little chance of ever seeing it all dressed in red, especially since its current color was chosen to blend in with the Parisian landscape… But you have to admit, a red Eiffel Tower is intriguing, isn’t it?
