A piece of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks is set to go under the hammer in Paris, as a section of the original Eiffel Tower staircase prepares to be auctioned, offering collectors a rare chance to own a fragment of 19th-century engineering history.
The section, part of the spiral staircase that once connected the second and third levels of the Eiffel Tower, will be sold by French auction house Artcurial on May 21. Dating back to the tower’s completion in 1889 under the supervision of engineer Gustave Eiffel, the structure is expected to fetch between roughly $140,000 and $175,000, according to auction estimates.
A relic from the tower’s original design
The staircase fragment stands about nine feet tall and includes 14 steps made of steel and riveted sheet metal, reflecting the industrial craftsmanship of the late 19th century. It once formed part of a narrow spiral route used by visitors climbing to the tower’s summit before modern elevators were installed.
The original staircase linking the second and third floors consisted of more than 1,000 steps and offered a dramatic ascent with panoramic views of Paris. One Artcurial specialist described the experience as a journey through time, saying: “Imagine yourself in 1889 on this staircase… with a 360-degree view of Paris.”
In 1983, the staircase was dismantled during a major renovation aimed at improving visitor safety. The structure was divided into 24 sections, many of which were sold at auction and later distributed across museums and private collections around the world.
From engineering landmark to collectible artifact
The piece now heading to auction has been held in a private collection for more than four decades since its original sale. It has recently been restored by specialists involved in maintaining the Eiffel Tower, preserving its original industrial finish.
Interest in such artifacts has remained strong, with previous staircase sections fetching significantly higher prices than initial estimates. One comparable piece sold for more than €500,000 in 2016 after a competitive bidding process, highlighting the global appeal of items linked to the Paris landmark.
The Eiffel Tower itself, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, remains one of the most visited monuments in the world, attracting nearly seven million visitors annually and symbolizing both Paris and France.
Growing demand for architectural history
The upcoming auction reflects a broader trend in the collectibles market, where fragments of historic structures are increasingly sought after by private collectors, institutions and investors.
Experts say such pieces offer more than aesthetic value. They represent tangible connections to major cultural and engineering milestones, transforming functional components into prized artifacts.
As bidding opens in Paris, the staircase section is expected to draw international interest, continuing a pattern where elements of the Eiffel Tower have found homes far beyond France, from museums to private estates.
For collectors, the sale represents a rare opportunity to own a literal piece of history from one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
