The Eiffel Tower will receive a new coat of paint for its 120th birthday

Paris - The Eiffel Tower will receive a new coat for its 120th birthday. On Tuesday, a complete repainting of the Paris landmark will begin in celebration of the anniversary, which aims to prevent its corrosion. This was reported today by the AFP agency, citing the Paris City Hall.
    One of the most visited monuments in the world, which saw a record 6.93 million visitors last year, was officially inaugurated on March 31, 1889, during the World Expo. Several layers of paint protect the "Iron Lady" from rusting.
    Since its construction and the first coat of paint, the symbol of Paris, which measures 320 meters and weighs 7000 tons, has received 17 new layers so far. The tower is typically repainted every seven years. It has changed color multiple times - from reddish-brown, through ochre yellow, to its current bronze.
    "To repaint, 60 tons of paint, 50 kilometers of safety ropes, two hectares of protective nets, 1500 brushes, 5000 sanding discs, 1500 work uniforms... are needed,” states the monument's website.
    A team of 25 painters - mountaineers will take over a year to successfully repaint the Eiffel Tower from top to bottom. The last repainting along the Seine took place at the beginning of the millennium - the project started in December 2001 and ended in June 2003.
    On the occasion of the 120th birthday, the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower will also reopen after a complete renovation.