1. It's Being Painted Gold

Repainting is done about every seven years, per the official Eiffel Tower website, and the 20th edition is extra special: it's going gold. Previous paint is being stripped and gold paint is being used in a project that is slated to be completed by the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics. (Lonely Planet)

2. It Was Protested In Its Earliest Years: 'A Dark Ink Stain'

A series of prominent artists, poets and composers all came out against the Eiffel Tower in its earliest days, calling it ugly and saying it had no place in Paris. This drew a response from Gustave Eiffel himself, who found the Eiffel Tower comparable to the pyramids in Egypt, "a symbol of strength and overcoming adversity." (Tour Eiffel)

3. It Was The World's Tallest Structure For 41 Years

From 1889 when it was constructed to 1930, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world. It was surpassed by the Chrysler Building in New York City. (Chaletcouleursde France)

4. It Will Serve As A Backdrop At The Olympics

It will be hard to miss the Eiffel Tower during the Games, as it will be visible in the background of both triathlon and open water swimming events. (Travel + Leisure)

5. It Once Had A Theater, A Post Office + A Newsroom

A wooden structure that was designed by the Eiffel Tower's architect, the first-floor theater was replaced after the 1937 World's Fair. It also had a post office, a newsroom, and a radio station in earlier years. (Tour Eiffel)

6. It Was Originally Built For The World Fair

The Eiffel Tower was one of the main attractions at the World's Fair in 1889, which commemorated 100 years since the French Revolution. It drew attention for its iron and steel construction, which was a great industrial achievement at the time. (All That's Interesting)

7. It Was Part Of A Flight Competition In The Early 1900s

There was a 100,000 francs prize for flying from a designated location to the Eiffel Tower and back within 30 minutes. This competition was won in an airship in 1901 by Brazilian pioneer aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. (APS)