Fact Check: Eiffel Tower demolition rumours in 2026 are false; viral claim originated from satirical website
PTC Web Desk: Recent viral posts on social media have triggered panic by falsely claiming that Paris’ world-famous Eiffel Tower is set to be demolished in 2026. The rumours, widely circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), cite supposed reasons such as an expiring “operating lease,” structural fatigue, high maintenance costs, and declining visitor numbers. However, these claims are entirely unfounded.
Origin of the false claim
The demolition rumour can be traced back to a satirical piece published on September 18, 2025, by the parody website 'Tapioca Times'. The article, written for entertainment purposes, quoted a fictional spokesperson who jokingly stated, “We’ve had a good run, but nobody goes there anymore, so we’re shutting it down.”
The article humorously attributed the alleged decline in visitors to “drones circling the tower” and suggested bizarre replacements like a water slide, a Las Vegas-style concert arena, or a “Paris Burning Man” festival. It even mockingly warned readers that “demolition starts in early 2026, so visit while you can.”
Despite its clearly satirical tone, several users on social media took excerpts from the article out of context, leading to widespread misinformation and speculation online.
No official demolition plans
There is no credible evidence or official confirmation supporting the demolition claim. The Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), the organisation that manages the monument, has not announced any such plans. Similarly, neither the City of Paris nor French cultural heritage authorities have made any statements suggesting the tower will be dismantled.
Reason behind current closure
Adding to the confusion, the Eiffel Tower is currently temporarily closed due to ongoing nationwide strikes in France. The strikes, which began on October 2, 2025, involve unions protesting against government spending cuts and demanding higher taxes for the wealthy. These industrial actions have disrupted multiple sectors, including tourism.
Officials have confirmed that the closure is purely strike-related and has no connection to any demolition activity. Similar disruptions occurred in 2023 during earlier rounds of labour protests. Authorities expect the site to reopen once negotiations between unions and the government conclude.
In short, the Eiffel Tower is not being demolished. The viral claim is a product of online satire that has been misinterpreted as real news.
- With inputs from agencies
