While millions of tourists flock to Paris every year to experience the majesty of the Eiffel Tower, one lucky collector will soon have the chance to bring a literal piece of the monument into their own home. A historic segment of the landmark’s original staircase is scheduled to go under the hammer in the French capital next month, offering a rare opportunity to own a tangible slice of architectural history.
A Stairway Through Time
The item up for bid is Section No. 1 of the original spiral staircase, which once served as the vital link between the second and third floors of the tower. Dating back to the monument's grand opening in 1889 for the Universal Exposition, these steps were traversed by visitors for nearly a century. The staircase remained in use until 1983, when a massive structural overhaul led to the dismantling of the original steps to make way for modern elevators.
Constructed from durable steel and riveted sheet metal, this specific section consists of 14 steps anchored to a cross-shaped base. Prospective buyers will need to prepare their floor plans, as the piece stands approximately 2.75 meters (9 feet) tall and measures 1.75 meters (5.7 feet) in diameter. Having spent over 40 years in a private collection, the section has recently undergone a complete restoration to prepare it for its new owner.
The Auction Details and Valuation
The sale is set to take place on May 21, managed by Artcurial’s Art Deco department in Paris. Experts estimate that the section will fetch between €120,000 ($140,000) and €150,000 ($175,000), though history suggests that bidding wars can drive the price much higher. For example, a similar section sold in 2016 for a staggering €523,800 (roughly $612,000) after intense interest from an international collector.
Sabrina Dolla, associate director at Artcurial, describes the piece as an "immersive experience" that transports the owner back to the 19th century. In 1889, climbers on these very steps would have been perched hundreds of meters above the ground with no safety barriers, enjoying an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Parisian skyline.
A Global Legacy
When the staircase was dismantled in 1983, it was divided into 20 sections. Today, these pieces are scattered across the globe, serving as ambassadors for French engineering:
• France: Sections are preserved in Paris at the Musée d’Orsay and the Cité des Sciences, as well as the Musée de l’Histoire du Fer in eastern France.
• Japan: A segment is displayed in the Yoishii Foundation gardens in Yamanashi.
• United States: One section can be found near the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
For the majority of the original 1983 buyers, these sections have remained prized possessions, making this upcoming auction a truly unique chance for a new collector to enter the ranks of the tower’s "guardians".
