The Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous landmarks in the world, is at the center of a heated debate. The descendants of Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who designed the tower, are now fighting a plan that could change the tower’s appearance permanently.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo recently proposed keeping the colorful Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower long after the Paris 2024 Summer Games. According to Hidalgo, the International Olympic Committee has given its approval for the rings to stay up until at least 2028, when the next Olympics will be held in Los Angeles.
But this plan hasn’t gone over well with everyone. The Eiffel family, through their association called AGDE, strongly opposes the idea. They argue that the massive rings disrupt the tower’s elegant and historic look. The family believes that the rings, which are large and brightly colored, create a visual imbalance that harms the tower’s original design. They feel that keeping the rings up would spoil the Eiffel Tower’s timeless beauty and change its role as a symbol of Paris and France.
The Eiffel family has even consulted lawyers to see if they can stop the plan. They suggest that the rings should be removed at the end of 2024, right after the Olympic year ends, rather than staying for several more years.
Built in 1889 for the Paris Exposition, the Eiffel Tower was meant to be a temporary structure. It has since become one of the most visited monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With millions of visitors each year, the tower represents more than just a landmark—it’s a symbol of French pride.
As the debate continues, the future of the Eiffel Tower’s appearance hangs in the balance. Will the iconic rings stay, or will the Eiffel family’s wishes be honored? Only time will tell.
