|
|
|
Centuries of architectural competitions have resulted in such inventive constructions as the Opera house, built in 1860 by the young Charles Garnier and the radical Pompidou Centre (1977). Both established on the initiative of former presidents, the modernist structure of steel and glass of the latter, by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, continues to provoke mixed feelings to this day. Paris is well known for building grand monuments only to first abhor and then adore the finished product. The Arc de Triomphe was planned by Napoléon to celebrate his military success, only to later cause him embarrassment when completed belatedly. Both the Eiffel Tower and the Gare d’Orsay were at one point condemned buildings, now of course they are two of the most visited constructions in Paris. Saved through their functionality, the Eiffel Tower now teems with radio and television transmitters, whilst the Gare d’Orsay has been transformed into the much-vaunted museum. Seek out Paris’ unique blend of the traditional and the modern, perhaps best experienced in the majestic Louvre, a product of centuries of modifications since its construction in the thirteenth century. The latest controversial addition, the glass pyramid, was constructed by Pei for the bicentenary of the Revolution in 1989. Feel the impact of the Revolution at the Place de la Bastille, the bronze column marking the site of the infamous prison destroyed in 1789. The archetypal Gothic Notre Dame was also plundered during the revolt; the cathedral as it stands today was restored by Viollet-le-Duc during the nineteenth century, after the decapitation of 28 statues by the angry mob. Back to Home Page |