Paris’ boulevards, museums, bistros, and boutiques are complemented by a recent surge of multimedia galleries, innovative wine bars, design stores, and technology start-ups.
The Eiffel Tower
The Tour Eiffel, named for its architect Gustave Eiffel, was constructed specifically for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, also known as the World’s Fair. The assembly process required the efforts of 300 individuals, the use of 2.5 million rivets, and a continuous labor period of two years. After it was finished, the tower became the tallest man-made structure in the world, measuring 324 meters. This record was not surpassed until the erection of New York’s Chrysler Building in 1930. An emblem of the contemporary era, it encountered resistance from the creative and literary upper class of Paris. Derisively referred to as the ‘metal asparagus’, it was first scheduled for demolition in 1909. The reason it was saved was only due to its suitability as a platform for the necessary transmitting antennas used in the emerging field of radiotelegraphy.
The tower has undergone color changes over the years, with its current paint job being red and bronze since 1968. The current project involves removing the previous 19 layers of paint and applying the original yellow-brown color envisioned by Gustave Eiffel, resulting in a fresh golden tone for the 2024 Olympics.
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The Centre Pompidou
The Musée National d’Art Moderne, which houses France’s comprehensive collection of art from 1905 onwards, is the primary attraction. Only a small portion of its extensive collection, which includes Fauvist, cubist, surrealist, pop art, and contemporary works, is now exhibited. The facility is situated on the fourth and fifth levels.
The permanent collection undergoes biennial alterations, however the fundamental arrangement typically remains consistent. The 5th floor exhibits artworks created by artists who were active throughout the period from around 1905 to 1970. This collection includes artworks by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Kandinsky, Arbus, Warhol, Pollock, and Rothko.
The 4th floor is dedicated to showcasing modern artworks, primarily from the 1990s onwards. This floor prominently features large-scale paintings, installation pieces, sculptures, and videos. This text emphasizes the current state of art, architecture, and design.
Sainte-Chapelle
Located within the ancient 13th-century Palais de Justice (Law Courts) of the city, the Holy Chapel is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is considered Paris’ most beautiful landmark. It was finished in 1248. The building was designed by Louis IX with the purpose of accommodating his own assortment of sacred artifacts, which notably includes the renowned Holy Crown. Approximately 70% of the stained glass, which spans a total area of 640 square meters, is authentic. To comprehend the biblical narratives depicted in the 1113 scenes, it is advisable to observe or ‘peruse’ the windows in a sequential manner, starting from the left side and progressing upwards.
Louvre Museum
With a collection encompassing numerous art items, ranging from ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Greek artifacts to renowned works by painters like da Vinci (including his unparalleled Mona Lisa), Michelangelo, and Rembrandt, it is unsurprising that this museum attracts a large number of visitors worldwide.
The Louvre houses a vast array of artworks and craftsmanship from many European regions, together with invaluable collections of ancient artifacts. The primary purpose of the Louvre is to exhibit Western art, with a focus on French and Italian works, but also include Dutch and Spanish pieces. The museum covers the period from the Middle Ages until around 1848, after which the Musée d’Orsay takes over. Additionally, the Louvre displays artworks from ancient civilizations that have influenced Western culture.
The Catacombs
Due to the public health implications of the cemeteries, authorities made the decision to relocate their contents to a location outside the capital city. The initial evacuations occurred between 1785 and 1787, specifically from the Saints-Innocents cemetery. This burial ground had been in operation since the Middle Ages but was shut down in 1780. Initially, the human remains were haphazardly stacked in the quarry. Prior to its introduction to the public in 1809, the ossuary underwent a beautiful refurbishment. The catacombs, which housed the remains of countless unidentified Parisians, were officially established by 1810 and adorned with skulls and bones.
Les Catacombes refers to the section of an underground quarry that has been transformed into a publicly accessible ossuary. Nevertheless, the term catacombs is frequently employed informally to denote the extensive subterranean labyrinth of tunnels beneath Paris. The underground tunnels in Paris have a significant place in the city’s history. They were used by the Resistance during World War II for holding meetings. At night, adventurous cataphiles clandestinely explore the tunnels.
