Thursday, August 12, 2010

Solitude -- Under the crown of "night"



Métro Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre is probably the most photographed Métro entrance in Paris. It was redesigned by Jean-Michel Othoniel in 2000 for the centennial of the Métro as the "Kiosque des Noctambules" (Kiosk of the night-walkers). There are two crowns constructed of glass and aluminum -- one representing "day" and the other "night."


The bench concealed under the canopy of "night" was part of the artist's installation for "chance encounters."

14 comments:

Juniper said...

What an unusual looking entrance! Makes me curious about what the 'day' crown looks like! By the way I really like your title for this photo.
You can pop by anytiime for a chilled glass of Zibibbo wine!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Juniper, the blue dome is for "night" and just behind it you can see the red dome for "day." Merci for the comments and I'll pop by for wine later!

Shell Sherree said...

I'd feel rather special sitting there on that bench!

Virginia said...

My favorite too. I got it at night this time. I wouldn't mind a little rendezvous there at night! :))

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Shell -- Moi aussi -- Would love to be there right now!

Virginia -- Was that the night that you and Mary got kicked off the Métro and had to walk home?

James said...

Ah it reminds me of home. When I'm in Paris I always stay at an apartment in Palais Royal so I see this a lot. Only 70 days until I leave for Paris!!! :)

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

James -- What a wonderful location! I am green with envy -- how long will you be in Paris? Thanks for your comments!

Alexa said...

I love this metro entrance. The festive kiosk and the rather sad-looking person on the bench make for quite a stunning contrast. And I'm wondering what kind of behavior gets you kicked off the metro. :~}

Unknown said...

That is amazing! I haven't seen the installation version of this, how gorgeous! Like a beautiful jewel! XX!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Alexa -- We all went for a night shoot at Tour Eiffel and they did not get back to the apt before the Métro shut down at midnight! Long hike back!

Shari -- The artist has used Moretti glass for many exhibits and installations. I would love to see more.

Paris Paul said...

What a great shot! I love this Metro entrance and use a similar photo for the the wallpaper to my Twitter page. I had no idea about the day/night thing, though, so you taught me something new today! Thanks Gennie.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Paris Paul, when I saw your wallpaper it took my breath away -- just love it! Thanks for stopping in! Merci!

Rob said...

I was out of town and am trying to catch up, a futile endeavor. Will be out of town again for a week, (I love scheduled posting). Love this image! And what a fun project to shoot Metro stops. However, while on vacation, there isn't enough time. Photos from inside the Metro would be a fun project. Next time I visit, I'll try it.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Rob, I have many inside shots of Métro stops but have difficulty from time to time with the lighting (user error) -- Enjoy your time away and thank you very much for your comments.