Paris Mayor's Plan to Keep Olympic Rings on Eiffel Tower Faces Criticism

Critics argue that retaining the rings on the iconic Paris landmark would transform it into ‘an advertising outpost’.

Plans to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower have sparked controversy, with descendants of the monument's designer and some local residents voicing their disapproval. The giant rings, which were a popular addition during the recent Olympic Games in Paris, have become a point of contention.

On Saturday, Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced her intention to replace the original rings, which are too heavy to remain on the monument, with new ones. This decision has drawn criticism from the Association of Gustave Eiffel’s Descendants, who argue that the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and France for 135 years, should not be permanently adorned with the symbol of an external organization, regardless of its prestige.

Olivier Berthelot-Eiffel, the association’s chairman and a great-great-grandson of the engineer, told the AFP news agency that while the family does not object to the rings remaining temporarily, they oppose the idea of the Eiffel Tower becoming an advertising outpost. Berthelot-Eiffel suggested that Hidalgo should have discussed the idea with the Paris council and relevant individuals before making a unilateral decision.

Hidalgo, however, asserted her authority over the matter, stating that she has the agreement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and that the decision is hers to make. She did not specify how long the rings would remain on the Eiffel Tower.

The controversy extends beyond the Olympic rings. Hidalgo also expressed her desire to keep the Olympic cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens, a decision that ultimately rests with President Emmanuel Macron, as the site is state property.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati, a longtime critic of Hidalgo, emphasized the need to follow procedures protecting historic buildings. “The Eiffel Tower is a protected monument, the work of an immense engineer and designer,” Dati said in a statement. She added that any major modifications would require authorizations and an impact study in line with the law on protected buildings.

Reactions on social media were mixed, but many Parisians expressed skepticism about altering the symbol of their city, which is also a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The SOS Paris group, which campaigns to protect Paris’s landmarks and historic character, commented that the Eiffel Tower’s 135-year history surpasses a 17-day sports and media event.

Paris MP Sylvain Maillard from Macron’s centrist Renaissance party echoed this sentiment, stating that while the games were a powerful moment, the Eiffel Tower embodies something timeless.

The Eiffel Tower, unveiled in 1889 for the World’s Fair, was initially reviled by some Parisians. Originally built as a temporary attraction to showcase French construction prowess, it became a working telecommunications tower used for radio and TV transmissions. Today, the “Iron Lady” is one of the world’s top tourist attractions, with 6.3 million visitors in 2023.

The debate over the Olympic rings highlights the delicate balance between celebrating contemporary events and preserving historical landmarks. As Paris continues to grapple with this issue, the future of the Eiffel Tower’s adornment remains uncertain.