The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, isn’t as fixed as it appears. Due to a scientific phenomenon known as thermal expansion, the tower can grow taller by up to 6 inches (15 cm) during hot summer days!

How Does This Happen?
Thermal expansion occurs when materials expand as they heat up. The Eiffel Tower is made of over 18,000 iron parts, and when the temperature rises, the metal absorbs heat and expands. This causes the entire structure to slightly increase in height. Similarly, in colder temperatures, the iron contracts, making the tower shrink back to its original size.

A Living Landmark
The Eiffel Tower isn’t just growing and shrinking—it’s also constantly shifting. Temperature differences can cause one side of the tower to expand more than the other, making it lean slightly in a certain direction before returning to normal when the temperature evens out. Engineers account for this movement, ensuring the structure remains stable despite these natural changes.

More Hidden Secrets of the Eiffel Tower
Wind Sway: The tower can sway up to 3 inches (7 cm) in strong winds, but its flexible structure prevents damage.

Color Changes: It has been repainted 19 times since its construction, changing shades to maintain its brilliance.

Dismantling Plans: When built in 1889, the tower was meant to be temporary, set for demolition after 20 years! Luckily, it remained standing and is now one of the most visited monuments in the world.

A Tower That Never Stays the Same
Next time you see a picture of the Eiffel Tower, remember—it might not be the same height as it was yesterday! Thanks to the laws of physics, this famous structure is always subtly changing, proving that even the strongest-looking landmarks are affected by nature.

Would you have guessed the Eiffel Tower could grow and shrink? Share this fun fact with others!