When the Eiffel Tower opened for the Exposition Universelle in 1889, the only way to reach its upper floors was by climbing a spiral staircase. Now, a rare original section of those steps—once connecting the second and third floors—is heading to auction in Paris.
Auction house Artcurial will offer the 2.75-metre-tall, 1.75-metre-wide piece on 21 May. Made of 14 steel steps mounted on a cross-shaped base, it is expected to sell for between €120,000 and €150,000. The final price, however, could climb significantly: a similar section fetched €523,800 in 2016.
A Piece of Engineering History
Gustave Eiffel's iron tower, which now welcomes roughly seven million visitors annually, underwent a major renovation in 1983. During that work, large parts of the original staircase were dismantled and replaced with lifts. Around 20 sections were removed and sold at the time.
Some of those pieces found permanent homes in institutions such as the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie. Others travelled further: one section resides in the gardens of the Yoishii Foundation in Yamanashi, Japan, while another stands near the Statue of Liberty in New York.
The staircase section now on offer has been in private hands for decades. Its sale offers collectors and institutions a chance to own a tangible link to the tower's earliest days, before lifts became the norm.
For context, the Eiffel Tower has survived two world wars, countless refurbishments, and remains one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. Its original staircase, however, is a rare commodity—only a handful of sections remain in private hands.
Interested buyers should note that the piece is being sold as a standalone artefact, not as part of a larger structure. It is mounted on a cross-shaped base for display.
The auction comes amid a broader trend of landmark memorabilia hitting the market. Earlier this year, the door from the film Love Actually was auctioned after its owner grew tired of tourist crowds in Notting Hill. That sale highlighted the enduring appeal of owning a piece of cultural history.
For European collectors, the Eiffel Tower staircase represents more than just a souvenir. It is a fragment of the continent's industrial heritage, a reminder of the 1889 World's Fair that showcased French engineering to the world.
Artcurial has not disclosed the identity of the current owner. The auction will take place in Paris, with online bidding also available.
