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Eiffel Tower Turns 120 March 31, 2009

by Tina Kells | March 31, 2009 at 08:44 am

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One of the most famous landmarks in the world turns 120 on March 30, 2009. The Eiffel Tower was first unveiled at the World's Fair on March 31, 1889. Back then the tower had no elevator so visitors to the landmark, which was the tallest in the world at the time, had to take the stairs.

In honor of the Eiffel Tower's 120th France is giving her a face lift. The Eiffel Tower will be given a fresh coat of paint to mark the occasion.

The Eiffel Tower, which was opened on 31 March 1889, will receive a new coat of brown paint, it was announced today. This is the 19th time that the tower has been repainted.

After consultation with tourists and professional photographers and artists, a decision has been taken to retain the existing tawny colour, known as “Eiffel Tower brown”, first applied in 1968.

A team of 25 painters, many of them experienced mountain-climbers, will apply 60 tonnes of lead-free paint to the 324-metre high tower over the next three years.

An elaborate hoax exactly a year ago led media around the world to publish images of the tower with a large new observation platform at its pinnacle, resembling a wedding hat. This was alleged to be a proposed “new look” for the tower for its 120th birthday.

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hcortes

at 16:48 on March 31st, 2009

As I kept admiring the Eiffel Tower on my way back to the hotel I decided to try this picture of which I have several other versions not yet published. Paris is one of my family's favorite cities and one of the most inspiring places on earth.

hcortes has contributed a photo to this story.

Paschen

at 17:08 on March 31st, 2009

And it was never meant to last that long, just a couple of month was the plan.

They do have to paint it continuously year round almost. Maybe this is the 19s total run wish may take them a couple of years. I have always seen some people paint some where every time I was in Paris. I like the view and atmosphere from up there and looking at the Cathedral. Getting up there is some good exercise as well if one uses the stairs rather then the elevator and the radio signal is no longer broadcasted from the top, nowadays it is cell phone signals.