Built
to conincide with the 1900 Paris World
Fair, the Galeries Nationales Du Grand
Palais was to be a monument "par
la République à la gloire
de l'art français" or a “monument
devoted by the Republic to the glory of
French art”. Constructed at the
same time as other famous monuments such
as the Pont Alexandre-III bridge, the
building is 240 m long for 40 m in height,
is fronted by large ionic columns, and
has a huge glass roof. Popular materials
forming the building include iron, beaten
bronze, glass, and stone. The central
cupola out of glass lets enter the light
while offering a splendid sight of outside
when the lights of the evening are reflected
there.
The
architecture of the Grand Palais is considered
some of the most stunning in the world;
its façade invites visitors to
discover if its interior is as splendid
as its exterior (and it is). Its large
glass roof is one of the last of its kind,
supported by an intricate metallic lattice
structure, and became a fingerprint of
the art nouveau style. Holding mostly
temporary exhibitions, the Grand Palais
celebrated Picasso's 100th birthday in
1994. Most exhibitions hosted at the Grand
Palais are of international stature and
very popular.
Grand
Palais Travel Links |
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