Watch out!

A falling rivet in 1993 was the wake up call that things were not exactly right within and beneath the Grand Palais.

What happened during the past 12 years while the Grand Palais was closed to the public and why for the next year it will be shrouded and framed by scaffolding is a continuing story. But there is hope because it is no longer sliding into the banks of the Seine river.

Panel translations inside the Grand Palais

When you enter this edifice during the coming two years for varied events you will most likely see several panels (in French) and photos. The first you notice touches on the cost of the renovations (between 2002 and 2007), once inside panels explain the history and events that led up to the current situation, and another panel sums up the edifice as a modern building in fewer words.

The translations are provided for your information on another page, along with photos also shown on these panels.

The doors once again open

One night in January 2006, while walking along the Champs Elysées, the nave of the Grand Palais was lit in reds, lavenders, yellows, greens, etc. Under the big top's 15,000 square meters (161,458 square feet) was an amusement park and circus!

I visited the interior the next day and recorded the images within this immense cavern filled with amusement rides including two Ferris wheels, bumper cars, and was filled with the wafts of air filled with the scent of waffles and cotton candy.

During 2005, the doors of the Grand Palais were opened for special occasions such as "les Journées du Patrimoine" and a concert. The public could see just how far this once "beached whale" had come.

My last memory of the interior was of dusty, dirty greenhouse-type windows and dingy beams during a design show.

That would be my last Grand Palais exhibition. The Lartique exhibit in 1993 that I procrastinated in

attending would be the last exhibition of any kind under the big top until 2005.

Triumphant at last

In the end a refined beauty awaits the public instead of a rubble heap. Six years and two phases of work will bring her back to full triumphant glory (2002 - 2007). I did read in the magazine NouvelObs that a third phase for security enhancement may once again temporarily close the doors in 2008.

One could say that the quadrigas that top the north and south points of the palace are appropriate. The four-horse chariots harnessed and driven by the maiden who keeps them from galloping away lives up to its originally-intended symbolism of triumph and victory.. 

The Grand Palais was headed for demolition. Procrastination took place among decision makers. This delay may have saved the Grand Palais.

The Grand Palais has survived two world wars, multiple changes in architectural styles and the abuse of exhibitions when hanging, heavy objects weakened its frame.

Art exhibits since 1993

The Grand Palais, built between 1897 and 1900, has always been devoted to the arts. From the beginning it was a "monument consecrated by the Republic to the glory of French art" (inscription on the front of the Grand Palais).

Even during its closure of the grand nef the Grand Palais has continued exhibiting art in two other locales. My imagery of the one is of cardboard cubicles.

The other is a series of galleries initiated in 1964 by André Malraux,  the Culture minister. These galleries were intended to present prestigious, temporary, international art exhibitions.

As you continue to visit the other pages on this story, you will see that art takes many forms under this glass roof (The Paris home show (Foire de Paris), automobile show (Salon de l'Auto - 1908), air show (Salon de l'aéronautique), childrens' fair (Salon de l'enfance) or the home appliance fair (le Salon des arts ménagers) and everyone of them required construction of spectacular interiors and equestrian competitions (Concours hippique au Grand Palais, 1938-1939.)

Be sure to visit the Grand Palais, if not for a special event, during the Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) September or White Nights (Nuits Blanche) in October). Between September and the end of October 2005, 500,000 came to admire this renewed giant of glass and iron --le NouvelObs-Bernard Géniès.

France 3 photos, stories and videos

For admirers of the "good old days" of the Grand Palais I have some great links to websites with illustrations, a French TV station (France3.fr) with videos (images have a language all of their own), photos, and stories (in French).

When you visit France3.fr, on the right is a list (links) of different subjects. It is in French but the photos are universal; next are videos (especially good if you are practicing French). If you have any questions about this link, ask me.

Click here for more Grand Palais history and activities

One of the first events held after the reopening -- Jours de Fêtes au Grand Palais