The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is a triumphal arch in Paris, France. It stands in the center of the Place du Carrousel, in front of the Louvre Museum. The arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his military victories of the previous year. The arch was designed by Jean Chalgrin, who was also the architect of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile.
History
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel was built between 1806 and 1808. The arch is decorated with four bas-reliefs depicting four of Napoleon’s most famous battles: the Battle of Austerlitz, the Battle of Jena, the Battle of Eylau and the Battle of Wagram. The arch is flanked by two wings, each of which contains four Corinthian columns.
The arch was damaged during the Paris Commune in 1871, but was restored in 1875. In 1937, the arch was moved from its original location to the center of the Place du Carrousel. It was then renovated in 1991 and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Architecture
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is an example of neoclassical architecture. The arch is made of white stone and is decorated with sculptures, bas-reliefs and inscriptions. The four bas-reliefs depict Napoleon’s victories and are flanked by two wings, each of which contains four Corinthian columns.
The arch is topped by a bronze statue of the Roman goddess of victory, Victoria. The statue was sculpted by Louis-Simon Boizot and is 2.75 metres (9 feet) tall. The arch is also decorated with inscriptions that commemorate Napoleon’s military victories.
Features
- Size: The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is 30 metres (98 feet) wide and 21 metres (69 feet) high.
- Weight: The arch weighs approximately 250 tonnes (550,000 pounds).
- Location: The arch stands in the center of the Place du Carrousel, in front of the Louvre Museum.
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is open to visitors every day from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free and visitors can climb to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of Paris. The arch is also illuminated at night, making it a popular spot for photography.
Nearby Attractions
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is located in the heart of Paris, making it a great starting point for exploring the city. Nearby attractions include:
- The Louvre Museum
- The Tuileries Garden
- The Musée d’Orsay
- The Champs-Élysées
- The Eiffel Tower