Paris - the most romantic city in Europe, whose architectural appearance was formed several centuries ago, is the largest metropolis in the world. This is a real treasury that stores priceless monuments of history and culture, immerses you in a special atmosphere.
To visit the capital of France and not get acquainted with one of its main attractions is a real crime. The Grand Palace in Paris has long become a favorite leisure destination for both locals and tourists.
Original architectural design
The majestic building is located on the banks of the Seine River, next to the Champs Elysees. The construction of the Grand Palais in Paris was timed to coincide with the World Exhibition of 1900, dedicated to meeting the full of new discoveries of the 20th century.
When the authorities announced a competition for the best architectural project, many applications were received. It was not possible to come to a consensus, and four architects began to deal with construction at once. The future building was divided into zones, andeach of the architects was responsible for a specific area of work. Thanks to this decision, the project struck with its originality and novelty.
Albert Louvet, Charles Giraud, Henri Deglane and Albert Thomas set to work in 1897. According to their idea, the future exhibition center was to become the most recognizable building in Paris. And so it happened. After all, the architecture of the Grand Palace in Paris, whose history is discussed in the article, is very unusual.
A true piece of architectural art
The combination of several architectural trends was later called beaux-arts from the French word beaux-arts, which translates as fine arts. According to the project, the 240-meter facade is made in a strict classical style, and the building's structures are in the Art Nouveau style. And such a sharp contrast, which distinguishes the complex from thousands of others, immediately attracts attention.
Construction work progressed very slowly: the soil could not withstand the weight of the structure, so about three thousand oak piles had to be driven in. Both special equipment and working hands were required. However, the end result exceeded all expectations. An architectural pearl with a steel frame, a glass roof, a large number of sculptures and bas-reliefs on the facade impressed even the connoisseurs of beauty who had seen a lot.
On the pediment of the Grand Palace in Paris, the description of which makes it possible to judge it as the largest exhibition center in the world, an inscription appeared, indicating that the giant complex is dedicated to the art of different eras and peoples.
Copper quadrigas (antique two-wheeled horse-drawn carts) were created by the famous sculptor Georges Resipon. They adorn the northeast and southeast entrances of the palace. From the side of the Seine rises a sculptural composition called "Harmony triumphing over discord", and from the side of the Champs Elysees - "Ahead of time immortality".
The largest exhibition center in the world
On May 1, 1900, the majestic building opened its doors, and inside it housed the exposition of the World's Fair, which was visited by several million people.
After the end of her work, the building was used for art exhibitions and important city events. Despite the fact that skeptics predicted a short fate for the architectural ensemble, it soon gained fame as one of the most significant cultural centers of the city.
During the First World War, a military hospital was located within the walls of a giant complex. In 1944, during the liberation of Paris from the Nazis, the nave of the building was seriously damaged by a strong fire. The flames almost destroyed the glass roof, and only after painstaking restoration work was it restored to its original appearance.
Paris Grand Palace is still considered the largest exhibition center in the world, despite the fact that more than a hundred years have passed since its construction. The total area of all its halls is 72 thousand m22.
The glass dome, which is the main highlight of the complex
The Grand Palace on the Champs Elysees in Paris is made in the eclectic style, andarchitects attached great importance to the material that transmits light. One of the most famous sights of the French capital is also the most recognizable thanks to its glass roof, reminiscent of the shape of a huge dome.
The majestic building is a combination of classic stone facade, iron and glass. The main nave, which is 240 meters long, is topped by a high glass roof resting on a strong steel frame. It took about six thousand tons of metal to build the structure, and the structure of the canopy itself weighs more than eight thousand tons.
In 1993, one of the cells of the ceiling collapsed, after which the reconstruction began in the building, which dragged on for 10 years. The metal frame and glass roof were repaired. In addition, bright mosaics, sculptures, and bas-reliefs have been restored.
Iconic landmark of the country
To this day, the Grand Palais in Paris is the largest building in the world, made of iron and glass. The largest exhibition center in Paris, which has been given the status of a historical monument, is visited annually by about two million people.
One of France's most famous cultural monuments houses two museums, each with its own entrance. Their expositions tell about a colorful country in all colors. On one side is the Museum of Inventions and Innovative Findings, and on the other is the Art Gallery.
For many years, the Grand Palais in Paris has been a public exhibition center, the mainwhose gallery is dedicated to contemporary art. It hosts many interesting exhibitions that tell about the rich culture of France, live concerts, historical expositions and events of high international level.
Numerous presentations related to history, art, science, fashion and even animals. Hot air balloons, airships, horse races, auto shows, book fairs and the annual Chanel fashion show are held here.
Petit Palais - Petit Palace
The Grand and Petit Palaces in Paris were built almost simultaneously. The lesser-known counterpart of the main building has a very interesting history. Initially, Petit Palais was planned as a temporary building for the exhibition. However, the Parisians liked the building so much that they asked not to demolish it. And now the Petit Palais is a curious landmark of the capital of France. The palaces are separated by Place Clemenceau, named after French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau.
One more architectural landmark worth visiting for its unique design. After all, the facade of the Small Palace looks very original. Its architecture features Greek and Roman features with many decorative elements.
Mini Louvre
There are no permanent exhibitions in the Petit Palais, but there is something to see here. And it is no coincidence that visitors call this palace a mini-Louvre. After all, a rich collection of works of art from ancient times to the 20th century is stored here. ATAbout 12 thousand paintings and sculptures, rare icons and old books are exhibited in the halls of the Small Palace.
Before visiting the magnificent building, you should check the opening hours on its official website, as the palace is often closed. Access to the collections is free, but you will need to buy a ticket to visit the temporary exhibitions.
Indoor ice arena
At the end of December, the largest indoor skating rink in the world with an area of about 3,000 m begins its work2. Pipes are laid under the ice, through which a special substance circulates, freezing water on the surface.
Under the glass dome, everyone will be able to skate, and from 9 pm the skating rink at the Grand Palais in Paris turns into a dance floor. Unique light and acrobatic shows await visitors to the ice arena every day.
Admission is €12 for adults, €6 for children.
Reconstruction of an architectural masterpiece
The French Ministry of Culture has announced a major renovation of the Grand Palais in Paris at the end of 2020. The changes will affect all parts of the complex. In addition, a new pedestrian street Rue des Palais will appear, which will combine the museum and galleries of the architectural monument, where the main exhibitions are held. A spacious terrace with a panoramic view will also be built on the roof of the building. It is expected that the capacity of the palace will increase to 22 thousand people.
466 million euros are allocated for the reconstruction, which will last four years. Its exclusive sponsor will befashion house Chanel. After all, it is within the walls of the Grand Palais that theatrical performances of Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of a well-known company, take place. And the main entrance to the palace will be named after the founder of the legendary brand Coco Chanel.
Specialists from the architectural bureau LAN Architecture formulated their task as follows:
Our role is to preserve the story that has already been written, adding careful touches to bring strength and modern notes to the sound of this architectural symphony.
Opening hours and ticket prices
All expositions receive visitors every day except Tuesday. They are open from 10:00 to 20:00, on Wednesday - until 22:00. However, during new exhibitions, schedules often change, and then you should check the opening hours in advance by visiting the official website. It contains information about what presentations will be held in the near future.
Depending on the exhibitions, ticket prices also vary. The standard price is 11 euros (for reference: 1 euro ≈ 75 rubles). Children under 16, as well as people with disabilities and people accompanying them, admission is free. Discounts are also valid for groups of 4 people, of which two are young people under 25.
What do tourists say?
Visitors who have visited the Grand Palace in Paris, the photo of which is presented in our article, admit that its size commands respect. The architectural gem is so huge that you can even get lost in it. And many, carried away by numerous exhibitions, eventhey do not notice how it starts to get dark. Therefore, it is best to set aside several days to get acquainted with the cultural monument, since one will not be enough.
As tourists say, you should definitely visit the indoor skating rink - a truly magical place where you can rent skates. The ice rink is beautifully designed, and you can admire the luxurious glass dome from a new angle.
A true work of art has not lost its former glory. On the contrary, its popularity is growing every year, and every creator dreams of opening an exhibition of his own works in the Grand Palais, which means that the artist or sculptor has reached the highest level of his skill.
