World
Permanent Olympic Rings Installation on the Eiffel Tower
Discover the stunning new permanent installation of the Olympic Rings on the iconic Eiffel Tower, celebrating the spirit of the Games. Explore the significance, design, and the vision behind this historic landmark enhancement.
The iconic Olympic rings that were temporarily showcased on the Eiffel Tower for the upcoming 2024 Summer Games will now become a lasting addition to this renowned monument. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced this exciting development on Saturday, describing it as a “beautiful idea” to unite a quintessentially French symbol with a globally recognized emblem.
The five interlaced rings, adorned in vibrant colors of blue, red, yellow, black, and green, represent the various continents of the world. They were installed this summer between the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower, soaring more than 200 feet above the ground. Mayor Hidalgo expressed her enthusiasm by stating, “I want the two to remain married,” during an interview with the newspaper Ouest-France.
The Eiffel Tower, a remarkable landmark that attracts around seven million visitors each year, has played a significant role in highlighting this year’s Olympic Games, which concluded earlier this month, as well as the upcoming Paralympic Games set to end on September 8. This iconic structure has not only served as a backdrop for various events but has also been integrated into the games in innovative ways:
- Medals awarded to athletes are embellished with fragments of the famous landmark.
- International superstar Celine Dion made a sensational return by performing from the tower during the opening ceremony.
- The Eiffel Tower has provided a stunning setting for sports like beach volleyball and blind football.
In her commitment to preserving the tower’s legacy, Ms. Hidalgo mentioned that she has informed President Emmanuel Macron about this decision, emphasizing that the Eiffel Tower is a vital component of France’s cultural heritage.