A French collector purchased a segment of the Eiffel Tower's original helical staircase for 450,160 euros [1] during an auction in Paris.
The sale highlights the enduring global fascination with industrial heritage and the high market value of artifacts from one of the world's most iconic landmarks.
The auction took place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the Artcurial auction house [2, 3]. The piece consists of a riveted iron section containing 14 steps [4] and stands 2.75 meters high [5].
According to records, the segment dates back to 1889 [6], the year the tower was completed. It was offered as a historical collectible for those interested in the architectural legacy of the "Iron Lady."
While some initial estimates for the piece ranged between 120,000 and 150,000 euros, the final hammer price far exceeded those expectations [7]. The winning bid of 450,160 euros [1] sets a significant benchmark for original structural components of the monument.
The item had been held by a private individual for approximately 40 years before it was brought to Artcurial for the May sale [8].
“A French collector purchased a segment of the Eiffel Tower's original helical staircase for 450,160 euros.”
The sale price reflects a significant premium over the initial estimates, suggesting a robust demand for tangible pieces of 19th-century industrial history. Because the Eiffel Tower is a global symbol of French engineering, original components from its 1889 construction are rare, turning structural scrap into high-value fine art for private collectors.
