After a closure of 12 years, and major structural repairs and renovations, Le Grand Palais in Paris has reopened its doors in time for les Journées du Patrimoine. The current exposition is entitled “Ondes Visibles”, and features the two globes of Vincenzo Coronelli which were commissioned by Louis XIV in 1681 and 1683, one representing the celestial world and the other representing the terrestrial world. The celestial globe represents the state of the sky at Louis XIV’s birth, with paintings on a blue monochrome background. Both two-ton globes will eventually be moved and installed permanently at the François Mitterrand National Library.
Of course, the crown jewel of Le Grand Palais is the stunning glass dome which provides such a visible and recognizable landmark against the Paris skyline. Originally built for the 1900 World’s Fair (along with the Eiffel Tower), Le Grand Palais will continue to house special art expositions, and is already scheduled for October fall fashion shows by the couture houses of Christian Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent, and Hermès.
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