How much paint does it take?
Back to the paint. The monument’s 20th paint job will begin in October 2018, and will require 60 tons of paint and 3 years of work! In its 129 year history, the Eiffel Tower has been a variety of colors. Gustave Eiffel chose red for its debut. Then in 1892 it was a mustard or ochre color. Next came yellow in 1899 and yellow brown from 1907 until 1954. A reddish brown was used between 1954 and 1968. And, most of us know it as the brown color it has been since then. Can you imagine a yellow Eiffel Tower?
Rediscovering the Classic Eiffel Tower Colors
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Culture told Le Parisien, “We will rediscover and revive these old colors, like we do when we restore an old painting. This will give some food for thought as to whether or not to add nuances to the current hue.”
The cost – 40 million euros. The paint must be kept up to avoid having the Eiffel Tower rust. After all, it is made of iron and referred to as la Dame de fer (the iron lady). Whatever color is chosen, the painters paint a darker shade at the bottom and gradually change to a lighter shade at the top.
In the next 15 years, the Eiffel Tower will also receive upgrades to security, including a bullet-proof glass wall around the perimeter.
Do any of you remember the Eiffel Tower before it was the brown it is today? Tell us about it in the comments section that follows.
