In recent days, viral posts across social media platforms have claimed that Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower is slated for demolition in 2026, citing an expiring “operating lease,” structural fatigue, costly maintenance, and dwindling public interest. These assertions, widely shared and repeated, have stirred alarm and speculation — but they trace back not to any credible source, but to a satirical article that morphed into rumored fact.
The story appears to have been concocted on September 18, 2025, by Tapioca Times, a parody site known for humorous or fictional takes. In its version, a fictitious spokesperson lamented a drop in visitors, an alleged decline in relevance among younger generations, and an uptick in drone activity around the monument. It mockingly attributed the Tower’s downfall to encroaching squirrels and pigeons, and proposed outlandish alternatives: replacing the structure with a water slide, a Vegas-style concert venue, or even a “Paris Burning Man” festival. Among its lines: “Demolition starts in early 2026, so if you are old and nostalgic now is the time to come visit Paris.”
From satire to shock: the narrative quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), with users reproducing the text almost verbatim. As it spread, many failed to note the original source’s tongue-in-cheek tone. The mounting rumor has no grounding in reality. Not a single credible institution — including the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), the City of Paris, or France’s heritage bodies — has issued any declaration indicating that the Eiffel Tower faces dismantling.
At the same time, the tower has been closed since October 2, 2025, but that shutdown is tied to nation-wide labor strikes in France, not structural collapse or redevelopment plans. Union protests over government spending cuts and demands for greater fiscal equity have interrupted operations at multiple national sites, including the Eiffel Tower. Authorities have maintained that the closure is temporary and directly connected to ongoing industrial action.
The contrast between the absurdity of the viral claims and the steady denials of responsible authorities exemplifies how satire can mutate into false “news” in the digital age. What began as humorous content has been recast in many timelines as a serious announcement, prompting needless confusion among global audiences. Experts caution that such instances highlight the importance of verifying source credibility before sharing sensational headlines.
For now, visitors and Paris enthusiasts can rest easy: the Eiffel Tower stands firmly, without any credible plan for demolition. Meanwhile, officials anticipate that services will resume following resolution of the labor disputes.
