# Man Buys Eiffel Tower Piece 150,000 Euros For Part of Staircase By Bianca | Published 2007-11-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buy-eiffel-tower-150000-euros-staircase References: [uk.reuters](http://uk.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUKL1947431720071119?feedType=nl&feedName=ukoddlyenough) Some people just love monuments and historical architecture too much. A Dutchman bought a [piece of the staircase](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza) from the Eiffel Tower this week for 150,000 euros! Erik Kurvers, the president of the EiffelTowers, a Dutch basketball team, [placed his bid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highvalue-charity-auction) on Monday. Oh the joys of owning a [piece of rusted Parisian iron](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-replica)! Did the romance of the city just capture too much of his heart? **Implications** - Not everyone can say that they own a piece of the Eiffel Tower! The staircase piece that was bought by Erik Kurvers was taken from the landmark in 1983 when the elevators were installed. Although the stair is a little battered and rusty, it holds a special piece of Parisian history. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Monument Collecting:** The purchase of a piece of the Eiffel Tower highlights the trend of people collecting fragments of famous monuments as unique keepsakes. - **Historical Architecture Market:** The high price paid for a rusty staircase piece from the Eiffel Tower suggests a growing market for historical architectural artifacts. - **Emotional Value Investments:** The buyer's willingness to spend a significant amount of money on a staircase fragment signifies the trend of investing in items that hold sentimental or emotional value. ### Where This Applies - **Travel Memorabilia:** The purchase of the Eiffel Tower staircase fragment falls within the travel memorabilia industry, presenting opportunities for unique and highly prized collectibles. - **Antiques and Artifacts:** The market for historical architectural artifacts, such as the Eiffel Tower staircase, lies within the antiques and artifacts industry, paving the way for specialized dealers and collectors. - **Heritage Tourism:** The interest in owning fragments of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower contributes to the growth of the heritage tourism industry, where travelers seek authentic cultural experiences and connections to history. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eiffel Tower-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eiffel-tower-lego.md) - [Logo-Shaped French Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-swoosh.md) - [Bold Architectural Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-iron-house.md) - [Dutch Barn Spiralled Staircase](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/julia-van-beuningen.md) - [Parisian Landmark Chocolate Replicas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/notre-dame-cathedral.md) - [Mysterious Painted Car-Door Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crazy-horse.md) - [Opulent Brass Travel Trunks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-courrier-lozine-110-lv-brass.md) - [Luxe Windmill Accomodations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moulin-rouge-windmill.md) - [Charitable Low-Cost Art Raffles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1-picasso-for-100-euros.md)