Overview of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most iconic monuments. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, it was built to commemorate the victories of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Located at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, it stands at 50 meters tall and is surrounded by 12 avenues, each one leading to a different entrance point. The Arc stands as a symbol of French patriotism, and has become an important landmark in the City of Lights.
When Was the Arc de Triomphe Built?
The construction of the Arc de Triomphe began in 1806 and was completed in 1836, with significant contributions from French engineers Jean Laussat and Jean-François Blondel. The Arc is made up of 1200 m3 of white marble, covered in carvings and inscriptions of key figures and military victories associated with the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte. The triumphal arch was designed to commemorate the military victories of Napoleon’s army.
Meaning of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is seen as a symbol of French patriotism and national pride. Much of its significance lies in the intricate carvings adorning its four sides, including the names of generals, key battles and triumphal arches of Roman Emperor Constantine. Its highest relief portrays the coronation of Napoleon as Emperor of France in 1804. At the base of the monument stands a bronze statue of the winged goddess of victory, Nike.
Unique Features of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is unique in its design and symbolism. Its 24 pillars stand for the 24 divisions of Napoleon’s Grande Armée during the Russian campaign of 1812. Notable features of the Arc include the Eternal Flame in memory of the unknown soldier who died during World War I, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War II. Additionally, the Arc de Triomphe has its own Metro station, making it easily accessed by visitors to the site.
Significance in Popular Culture
The iconic monument is a popular destination for many tourists in Paris. The Arc has become a popular destination for special occasions, such as its use as a backdrop for the 2018 Tour de France finish line. Additionally, the Arc is known for its prominent role in films such as The Great Escape (1963) and War and Peace (1956).
Due Recognition For Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe has gained its rightful recognition among world valuable monuments. It has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List since October 2010. The area surrounding the Arc de Triomphe, or the Place Charles de Gaulle, as it is known, is considered as one of the most splendid urban landscapes in Europe.
Preservation of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe has undergone several restorations in recent years. In 2009, an intense $31 million renovation project was undertaken to repair the marble and restore the carvings and inscriptions that were on the monument. Additionally, the French government launched a project in 2017 to upgrade the lighting on the Arc, using modern LED lights.
Anti-graffiti Prevention
In 2014, the French Heritage Foundation launched a project to protect the Arc de Triomphe from individuals vandalizing it with graffiti. The project includes a dedicated team that uses a special self-cleaning solution to easily remove any graffiti from the monument. This technique keeps the Arc de Triomphe pristine and restores its original beauty.
Restriction on Access
The Arc de Triomphe has had restrictions in place since the Paris attacks in 2015, restricting public access to the site. This has been put in place to increase the safety of visitors, and uses age and identity checks to try and avoid potential terrorist activity.
Water Defects
In order to combat water leakage and maintain the structural integrity of the Arc de Triomphe, the French government has put in place a ‘watertight sealing’ system. This system is designed to prevent the marble, limestone and other parts of the monument from eroding over time.
Andres Bernardes’ Maintenance Project
Andres Bernardes, a Brazilian conservator, was responsible for launching one of the most ambitious restorations of the Arc de Triomphe in recent years. He believed that the monument had gone through significant deterioration over time, due to natural and man-made factors. He worked tirelessly to restore its beauty and enhance its grandeur. The project was completed in 2018.
Restoration Economics
The maintenance and restoration of the Arc de Triomphe has significant economic implications. Stores and local businesses have seen decreased revenues due to restrictions in the area, and the restoration costs add up quickly due to the complexity of the structure. However, the French government has made a strong commitment to the project, believing that its worth it in order to continue to preserve the iconic monument.
Educational Programmes
In an effort to promote the long-term conservation of the Arc de Triomphe, the French Heritage Foundation has introduced educational programmes at the site. This enables visitors to learn about the history and the intricate details of the monument, while also showing the importance of preserving the national symbol.
Information Technology Advancement
The French Heritage Foundation has also launched a project to enhance the Arc de Triomphe’s information potential. This includes equipping the site with a 3D-model of the structure, as well as virtual reality experiences to simulate what it would be like inside the monument for visitors.
Online Bookings and Services
The Arc de Triomphe also offers direct online ticket booking and services for visitors. This feature allows individuals to plan their visit to the site more efficiently and conveniently, without the hassle of queueing and waiting for tickets.
Marketing and Advertising
The French Heritage Foundation has been actively promoting the Arc de Triomphe through various sources, such as television, radio and billboards. This has been successful in increasing the number of visitors to the monument, giving them a chance to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
Future Developments
The government of France is continuously working to preserve and protect the Arc de Triomphe in its current condition. Future projects are currently in progress to make further improvements to the monument, to further its cultural value as a symbol of French patriotism.
