Eiffel Tower Day

Eiffel Tower Day is an annual holiday dedicated to one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Celebrated on March 31, it honors a structure that has symbolized France for more than a century. For many visitors, a trip to Paris feels incomplete without seeing the Eiffel Tower and taking a photo in front of it.

History

Eiffel Tower Day is linked to March 31, 1889, the date when the Eiffel Tower was officially inaugurated and the French flag was raised at its summit. The tower was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel.

Originally, the structure was planned as a temporary installation and a grand entrance for the World’s Fair in Paris in 1889. The exhibition marked the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. A patent for the tower’s design was registered on September 18, 1884.

After the exhibition, there were discussions about dismantling the tower. However, it later proved useful as a radio transmission tower, which helped justify its preservation. Over time, it became a permanent part of the Paris skyline and a national symbol admired by visitors from around the globe.

Interesting Facts

• The Eiffel Tower is 324 meters tall. Its height can increase by about 15 centimeters in summer due to thermal expansion of the metal. The original height was lower and increased after a new antenna was installed in 2010.
• The structure consists of more than 10,000 metal parts connected by roughly 2.5 million rivets.
• To protect it from rust, the tower is repainted approximately every seven years, a process that costs several million euros.

How to Take Part

Learn more about the history and engineering of the Eiffel Tower through books, documentaries, or virtual tours. If possible, visiting Paris around this date is a memorable way to experience the landmark in person.

Sharing photos or personal memories of seeing the Eiffel Tower is another simple way to mark the day.

When is Eiffel Tower Day in 2026?

Eiffel Tower Day is observed on March 31 each year.

Observations