The Dark Tower: When Lights Go Out

Darkness makes powerful statements. The tower goes dark for Earth Hour, mourning periods, and technical necessities. These moments reveal dependency on illumination.

During the 2003 heatwave power restrictions, the tower darkened early. Tourists complained, but Parisians adapted. "We gathered in cafés to watch sunset on the unlit tower," remembers bistro owner Marc Leblanc. "Without artificial light, we saw her true colors—rust and brown and grey. Beautiful differently, like seeing a film star without makeup."

Planned maintenance darkening occurs annually, usually in January. Engineers use these windows for major repairs impossible with live circuits. The dark tower becomes neighborhood gossip—"Did you see? She's sleeping!" Children worry she's sick. The reillumination brings relief.