HERITAGE / PARIS
The Grand Palais: an iconic monument where culture is represented in all its forms
Built for the Universal exhibition of 1900 and supposed to be demolished in 1960, the Grand Palais became a unique monument inventoried Historical Monument in 2000. Its architecture and its use turned it into one of the most iconic places in Paris.
A unique architectural complex
The construction of the Grand Palais started in 1897 and was a collective work attributed to four architects, Henri Deglane, Albert Louvet, Albert Thomas and Charles Girault. The public was first impressed by its structure composed of steel, stone, and glass. It also includes the biggest nave in Europe (13,500 m2), exceptional dimensions (70,000m2) and mixes both classicism and modern architecture. The central glass roof allows the sun to enlighten the exhibition area and let the spectator appreciate the immensity, the beauty and the audacity of the Palais. This unique cultural masterpiece first moved me when I worked under the central nave during the FIAC and Paris Photo exhibition during an internship at a contemporary art gallery in Paris.
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The witness of the contemporary society
The Grand Palais was originally built in order to expose the new inventions of the early twenty’s century during the Universal Exhibition of 1900. In many ways, the Grand Palais succeeded in adapting its use to the need of the artistic and cultural society. For instance, the Grand Palais hosts temporary exhibitions, which are usually about well-known artists such as Frantisek Kupka or Paul Gaugin, but also about less well-known artists such as Candido Portinari or « Joseph Wright of Derby » in 1990, which was the less visited exhibition of the monument. It also hosts catwalks during Fashion Weeks, such as the Chanel catwalk, the equestrian event the Saut Hermès or even a winter skating rink. It hosts the FIAC, whom 43e edition included 193 galleries from 30 countries and Paris Photo, the leading art fair in photography which occurred since seven years at the Grand Palais. It is impressing how this place changes its use so easily and freely, reflecting all the opportunities a place can garner.
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A symbolic place with heritage and touristic issues
This monument is a part of the French heritage and therefore a massive construction work, estimated 466 millions of euros and called The New Grand Palais, is planned between 2020 and 2023 to repair and fully use all the exhibition space of the Palais. Indeed, this monument is not only an exhibition place but also the reflection of the France culture, architecture, and spirit. It attracts over 2 million people each year and it is known all over the world as well as the Tour Eiffel or the Garner Opera. Of course, it is not as touristic as the Louvre or the Tour Eiffel but its modern management, its exceptional architecture and its ability to host very different events all year long are in my opinion its main strength.
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The Grand Palais is a unique and fascinating monument which its administration has learned how to adapt it to the society while preserving the French heritage and culture. Today, it is one of Paris’ symbol brilliantly merging into a cultural and innovating place.
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Articles:Journal des Arts, du 20 Avril au 10 mai 2018, n°500.
Website: www.grandpalais.fr
Images :
Central nave, The Grand Palais.