Piece of Eiffel Tower's Original Staircase Up for Auction

A section of the historic spiral staircase that once connected the second and third floors of the iconic Paris landmark is going on the block.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:54am

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A section of the original spiral staircase from the Eiffel Tower, which was in use from 1889 until 1983, is being auctioned off in Paris next month. The 14-step, steel and riveted sheet metal section is expected to fetch between €120,000 and €150,000. This is a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of the iconic French monument, as most of the 20 sections sold off in 1983 remain in the possession of their original buyers.

Why it matters

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, drawing nearly 7 million visitors annually. This auction offers a chance for collectors to own a tangible piece of the tower's history and architectural legacy, which has captivated people for over a century.

The details

The section up for auction is No. 1 of the original spiral staircase, which connected the second and third floors of the Eiffel Tower when it opened in 1889. The 2.75-meter-high (9-foot), 1.75-meter (5.7-foot) diameter staircase was part of the tower's original design, before elevators were installed in 1983 to replace sections of the historic staircase. This particular piece has been in a private collection for over 40 years since its removal and has undergone restoration for the auction.

  • The Eiffel Tower first opened during the Universal Exposition in 1889, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
  • In 1983, the monument underwent a major overhaul and sections of the original staircase were dismantled and replaced with elevators.
  • On May 21, 2026, this section of the historic staircase will be auctioned off by Artcurial's Art Deco department in Paris.

The players

Artcurial

The French auction house hosting the sale of the Eiffel Tower staircase section.

Sabrina Dolla

The associate director at Artcurial who spoke about the auction.

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What they’re saying

“It has never been outside and underwent a complete restoration for the sale.”

— Sabrina Dolla, Associate Director, Artcurial

“It's an immersive experience, a stationary journey through time and space. Imagine yourself in 1889 on this staircase, perched between 113 and 276 meters high, with no safety barriers, but with a 360-degree view of Paris.”

— Sabrina Dolla, Associate Director, Artcurial

What’s next

The section of the Eiffel Tower staircase will be auctioned off by Artcurial on May 21, 2026 in Paris.

The takeaway

This auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. The historic staircase section offers a unique connection to the tower's architectural legacy and the experience of visiting this beloved French monument.