Original Eiffel Tower Staircase Section to Be Auctioned in Paris

Auction of the Eiffel Tower's Spiral Staircase

According to Главком: On May 21, the auction house Artcurial will offer for sale Section No. 1 of the original spiral staircase from the Eiffel Tower. This piece, standing 2.75 meters tall with a diameter of 1.75 meters, once connected the second and third floors of the iconic structure. Comprising 14 steps, it is crafted from steel and riveted sheet metal. The lot is expected to fetch between $140,000 and $175,000.

This section of stairs served visitors from the tower's opening in 1889, when it debuted at the World's Fair celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution. In 1983, the spiral staircase was dismantled during a major renovation and replaced with modern elevators. The entire structure was divided into 20 separate sections. This particular fragment spent over 40 years in a private collection and underwent full restoration before being put up for sale.

Historical Significance and Cultural Heritage

Notably, several sections of the spiral staircase are preserved in France at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the Cité des Sciences, and one in the Iron History Museum in eastern France. Additionally, staircase fragments can be found in the gardens of the Yoshii Foundation in Japan and near the Statue of Liberty in New York. In 2016, Section No. 13 was purchased by a Chinese buyer for $612,000.

The Artcurial auction is set to be a landmark event for art and history enthusiasts, as the Eiffel Tower's spiral staircase represents not only an architectural heritage element but also a part of France's cultural memory. It is worth noting that on February 24, 2026, the Eiffel Tower will be illuminated in blue and yellow to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, with the lighting scheduled for 9:05 PM.

The sale of a fragment of the Eiffel Tower's spiral staircase highlights the enduring interest in historical artifacts and their role in cultural heritage. This auction offers collectors and historians a chance not only to acquire a unique object but also to preserve a piece of history closely tied to French architectural legacy. Events like these play a key role in promoting the cultural significance of such symbols as the Eiffel Tower.