Eiffel Tower set to early darkness amid Europe’s energy crisis

Beginning on Sept. 21, the Eiffel Tower, which is usually illuminated in golden hues within less than 10 minutes of nightfall and has an hourly 5-minute show of dazzling sparkles until 1 a.m., will have its lights turned off beginning at 11:45 p.m., when visiting time has ended. The nightly golden illumination makes up about 4% of the monument’s annual energy expenses, according to its website.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced the plan Tuesday, saying the city is aiming to save 10% of its energy consumption during the winter. As part of the plan, all of the city’s municipal buildings will turn off their lights starting at 10 p.m., although public lighting will remain on for safety.