A New Chapter For The Eiffel Tower: 72 Women Scientists Set To Make History In 2026

On January 26, 2026, something quietly historic unfolded beneath the iron arches of the Eiffel Tower.
It wasn’t a light show.
It wasn’t a new attraction.
It was bigger than that.
On the anniversary of the Tower’s groundbreaking ceremony, Anne Hidalgo announced a proposal to inscribe 72 female scientists onto the monument right above the original list of 72 male scientists chosen back in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel. And honestly? It feels long overdue.

Why This Moment Matters More Than You Think

If you’ve ever stood on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower and looked closely, you’ll see names written in gold. Those names celebrate great French scientist’s mathematicians, engineers, chemists all men. For over 130 years, women were missing from that scientific story.

This new proposal aims to change that, not by erasing history, but by expanding it. A second frieze would sit just above the original one, adding the names of 72 women who made major contributions to science. It’s not just about letters on iron. It’s about visibility. Imagine a young girl visiting Paris, looking up, and spotting a woman’s name carved into one of the most famous monuments in the world. That kind of representation sticks with you.

A Project Backed by Science Leaders

The selection of names wasn’t random. An expert committee worked alongside respected French research institutions like CNRS, INSERM, and INRIA. The proposed list will now be reviewed by national academies for final approval. So yes, it’s official-level serious.

Three Women Who Represent Different Eras of Science

Marie Curie – The Name Everyone Knows

You can’t talk about women in science without mentioning Marie Curie. She remains the only person to win two Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Physics. Chemistry. No small thing. But what I love most? She refused to patent her discoveries because she believed science should help everyone. That’s not just smart. That’s generous.

Angélique du Coudray – The Forgotten Pioneer

Back in the 1700s, Angélique du Coudray traveled across France teaching midwives how to safely deliver babies. She even designed a life-sized teaching model to train them. At a time when women barely had access to formal education, she was out there transforming public health. That takes courage.

Alice Recoque – The Digital Visionary

Fast forward to the 20th century, and we meet Alice Recoque. She played a major role in early French computing and even raised ethical concerns about technology decades before it became mainstream conversation. That’s foresight.

Also Read: Valentine’s Day At The Eiffel Tower: Romantic Experiences You’ll Never Forget

What Happens Next for the 72 Names?

By honoring these remarkable women, we’re recognizing the countless ways they’ve shaped science often without the spotlight they truly deserved. Their stories don’t just belong in textbooks; they belong on one of the world’s most iconic monuments. With this initiative, the Eiffel Tower strengthens its identity as a symbol of human progress and shared knowledge, staying true to the visionary spirit that inspired its creation.

As Jean-François Martins, President of the Société d’exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE), expressed, this tribute is about celebrating those to whom science owes so much while encouraging future generations to dream bigger. The proposed list of 72 names will now be submitted to France’s three national Academies Science, Medicine, and Technology for official review and final approval.

See the complete list of 72 proposed names on the Paris.fr website.

What This Means for Visitors in 2026

If the proposal is approved, visitors to the Eiffel Tower won’t just see history they’ll see progress. The Tower has always symbolized innovation. Now it’s evolving to reflect a more complete scientific story. And honestly, that just feels right.

FAQs About Eiffel Tower Female Scientists

Q1. What is the Eiffel Tower female scientist’s project?

Ans: The project proposes adding the names of 72 female scientists to the Eiffel Tower to recognize their contributions to science and correct historical imbalance.

Q2. When were the 72 women scientists announced?

Ans: The proposal was unveiled on January 26, 2026, during a ceremony led by Mayor Anne Hidalgo in Paris.

Q3. Will the new names replace the original 72 scientists?

Ans: No. The new names would be added above the existing list, preserving history while expanding it.