Why the Eiffel Tower expands in summer and contracts in winter This phenomenon has a relatively simple explanation. The cause of this event lies in the type of material used in constructing the ...

Context. The Eiffel Tower can indeed grow and contract in the summer and winter, respectively. However, the growth is only a few millimeters — not up to 6 inches, as many social media posts claim.

On the 125th anniversary of its public opening, LIFE celebrates Dmitri Kessel's classic portrait of the Eiffel Tower on a winter's day. Sign Up for Our Ideas Newsletter POV.