During the summer months, the Eiffel Tower gets a little taller. The thermal expansion generated by exposure to the summer sun can cause the Eiffel Tower to increase in height by as much as 6.75 inches (17 cm). This change is only temporary, and as the sunlight begins to fade, the expansion decreases.
More facts about the Eiffel Tower:
- The Eiffel Tower originally was not destined for its current site near the Seine River in Paris. The structure was planned for construction in Barcelona as part of the Universal Exposition in 1888.
- Since the Tower first appeared as an archway for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris, it is estimated that more than 200 million people have toured the structure.
- Between 1889 and 1930, the Eiffel Tower was the world's tallest building. The construction of the Chrysler Building in 1930 in New York ended the Tower’s reign, although has remained one of the tallest structures in the world.
By Malcolm Tatum
, Writer
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseTour, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.