Recent claims circulating on social media have caused a stir, suggesting that Eiffel Tower will be demolished in 2026. The posts, widely shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram link the supposed demolition to an expiring “operating lease,” structural wear and tear, high maintenance costs, and complaints from the public.
But there’s no truth to any of this. The claim is entirely false!
How the rumour started?
The demolition story can be traced back to a satirical article published on September 18, 2025, by Tapioca Times, a website known for parody content. The article included fake quotes from a made-up “spokesman” claiming, “We’ve had a good run, it’s been popular for a long time but nobody goes there anymore so we’re shutting it down.”
The piece joked about a fall in tourist numbers, increased drone activity around the tower and even mentioned squirrels and pigeons “plaguing” the site. It went on to suggest bizarre replacement ideas like a giant water slide, a Las Vegas-style concert hall, or a “Paris Burning Man” festival.
The final punchline – that demolition would begin in early 2026 – was lifted directly from this satirical article and shared on X by users who either missed or ignored the parody context.
No official statement on demolition
No credible source has confirmed these claims. Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), which operates the tower, has issued no statements about any demolition. Nor have the City of Paris or French heritage authorities suggested that the monument will be dismantled.
The Eiffel Tower remains one of the most protected and maintained landmarks in the world.
Why is the Eiffel Tower currently closed?
Adding to the confusion is the tower’s temporary closure, which began on October 2, 2025. But this has nothing to do with demolition. The closure is a result of nationwide strikes by French unions protesting government spending cuts and demanding higher taxes on the wealthy.
These labor disputes have affected the tower’s staff and other workers across the country. Similar strikes have caused short-term closures before, including in 2023. Once negotiations wrap up, normal operations are expected to resume.