Workers are removing the Olympic rings from the Eiffel Tower – for now

Published on: 27/09/2024 – 10:27

1 min

Workers removed the Olympic logo from the Eiffel Tower overnight Friday, returning the beloved landmark to its usual form — but perhaps only temporarily.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has promised to build new Olympic rings and return them to the monument in tribute to the hugely successful Olympic Games held in July and August.

The proposal has been criticized by descendants of the tower’s designer, Gustave Eiffel, as well as conservation groups and many Parisians.

After initially suggesting the rings should be permanent, Hidalgo has suggested they remain on the city’s most famous symbol until the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

Workers used a crane to remove the 30-ton rings between the tower’s first and second floors at nightfall on Friday, just under four months after they were installed on June 7.

The new rings, expected to be paid for by the International Olympic Committee, would be lighter versions and less prominent, Paris Vice Mayor Pierre Rabadan said.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati, a longtime critic and opponent of Hidalgo, has questioned the idea, saying the socialist city leader should respect procedures for protecting historic buildings.

Hidalgo also wants to preserve the innovative cauldron for the Louvre museum, as well as the statues of illustrious women used during the opening ceremony.

(AFP)