The Tower was built of wrought iron, a material that must be protected from corrosion due to exposure to the elements. So the metal has to be painted with a rain-proof covering that provides lasting protection. Since 1968, the choice has been a fairly neutral color made up of three shades of brown (called “Eiffel Tower brown”). It is darker at the base of the tower and lightens as it goes up to give a visual impression of uniformity. Originally, the Tower was painted Venice red, then reddish-brown because of the minium (also called “red lead”) often used in paint at the time for its protective qualities for iron.
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/130-years/what-colors-has-tower-sported-over-years
lol
> The Tower was built of wrought iron, a material that must be protected from corrosion due to exposure to the elements. So the metal has to be painted with a rain-proof covering that provides lasting protection. Since 1968, the choice has been a fairly neutral color made up of three shades of brown (**called “Eiffel Tower brown”**). It is darker at the base of the tower and lightens as it goes up to give a visual impression of uniformity. Originally, the Tower was painted Venice red, then reddish-brown because of the minium (also called “red lead”) often used in paint at the time for its protective qualities for iron.
> https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/130-years/what-colors-has-tower-sported-over-years
lol
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