The Eiffel Tower is in far better shape than previously believed. On Tuesday, Jean-François Martins, head of the company managing the Paris landmark, said the structure is “in extraordinary condition.” This update comes as major renovation work nears completion. During repainting, workers stripped away all old layers of paint from one section, revealing the bare metal underneath. The exposed iron was found to be in excellent shape. Martins credited the lasting strength of the tower to Gustave Eiffel’s use of high-quality materials during the original construction. Just a year ago, rust concerns had sparked headlines and staff strikes.
Stronger Than Expected
During current restoration efforts, workers used a special process to completely remove old paint from part of the tower. This revealed the raw iron structure beneath, which was found to be in excellent condition.
Jean-François Martins stated, “The Eiffel Tower is in extraordinary condition.” He pointed to the quality of materials used by Gustave Eiffel when building the tower between 1887 and 1889. Eiffel had selected top-grade wrought iron, which has proven to stand the test of time.
In 2024, news reports about potential rust damage led to strikes among workers, who called for greater investment in maintenance and repairs.
Millions Spent on Restoration and Upgrades
The current repainting project is the 20th in the tower’s history and is set to finish by 2026. The cost is estimated at €80 million. Delays occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of removing old, lead-based paint.
In addition, one of the tower’s three historic elevators was restored at a cost of €58 million. The goal was to preserve its original design as closely as possible. This project shows how heritage preservation and modern engineering can work hand in hand.
Olympic Rings Expected to Return
After the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the famous Olympic rings were taken down from the tower. However, officials plan to reinstall a replica before the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. A final date has not yet been announced.
Visitor Satisfaction Reaches New High
Recent improvements have led to a sharp rise in visitor satisfaction. According to a new survey, 96% of guests reported a positive experience — up from 81% in 2019.
Security has also improved. A stronger police presence around the site has led to fewer thefts and other incidents, making the area safer for tourists.
Eiffel Tower Remains a Global Attraction
In 2023, the Eiffel Tower welcomed around 6.3 million visitors from 150 countries. The United States ranked first among international visitors, followed by France and Germany in third place. These numbers show that the Eiffel Tower is not just a symbol of France but a treasured global landmark.
The Eiffel Tower remains structurally sound, historically important, and globally admired. With ongoing upgrades and increased safety, it continues to welcome millions every year.