Art Nouveau design
These famed entrances designed by Hector Guimard were surrounded in talk and not a little controversy in 1900. The most elaborate were those with glass canopies, of which three still exist.
Guimard's design above can be seen all over Paris, and there are 80 of this style with cast-iron balustrades decorated in plant-like motifs still remaining today. The orange light globes sit atop ornate cast-iron supports in the form of plant stems. Typical of the Art Nouveau style, the entire design is quite "organic."
Métro Réaumur-Sébastopol - Entrée d'Hector Guimard
Lines 3 et 4
75002, 75003, Paris
Oh i love this! :) Hard to believe it was controversial, but at same time, i understand. But i think it's fabulous.
ReplyDeleteLovely art-nouveau Metro signs ... I hope they remain for a long time Genie because they certainly add an interesting touch to the Metro entrances.
ReplyDelete"All Things French"
Always surprising to see that things that were controversial often finish as being cherished and choosed as symbols..
ReplyDeleteI love how every Metro entrance looks different, these are lovely.
ReplyDeleteAnd now the people of paris are very glad that they have such beauty entrances to the metro. My old buro was also working on some entrances in amsterdam but they are still not build 12 years after the assignment due to delay in the building process of the metro. I hope that these entrances will be build next year and that in about a hundred year people would love them as now the entrances of paris.
ReplyDeleteI love that even the entrances to the train stations in France are so stylish. Seems right somehow though
ReplyDeleteThe orange lights against the early evening sky are striking. Beautiful photo - and my new wallpaper!
ReplyDeleteAh, Paris, where even the most utilitarian things are a work of art! Your photo angle is spectacular!
ReplyDeleteHeureusement, l'art-nouveau si longtemps décrié par la critique a été sauvegardé un peu partout. Il y a des trésors art-nouveau à découvrir dans Paris.
ReplyDeleteOh my...I'll bet they are something to see!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
hughugs
These are such gorgeous icons of Paris ... I had no idea they were so controversial - por quoi? (Genie, apologies if I've butchered the French.:) But I would love to know what was controversial about them.
ReplyDeleteI never tire of the beautiful Metro signs.
ReplyDeleteDarn! I don't remember these from when I was there...guess I'll just have to go back and search them out!!!
ReplyDeleteEverything "new" is controversial in France!!
ReplyDeleteIl me semble que celui de Montmartre a ausi gardé son panache art Nouveau.
ReplyDeleteI remember taking photos of these wonderful entrances to the métro last time I was in Paris. Beautiful!
ReplyDeletehttp://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
I love it! Lets go for a ride.
ReplyDeleteI think that Starman has answered this question in his comment... all that is new is criticized, and the Art Nouveau with its organic, often asymetrical designs, were not according to the accepted lines of design and architecture.
ReplyDeleteAs Michel said, it is fortunate that we have all come to our senses and that much of the Art Nouveau has been preserved. I am trying to discover all of these treasures as I walk the streets of Paris.
S.C., I hope that you will see construction of artistic entrances to your metro stations soon.
For anyone who is interested in the Paris Metro, there is a book that will tell you more than you ever wanted to know, but it is fascinating: "Paris Underground: The Maps, Stations, and Design of the Metro" by Ovendon, Pepinster, and Lloyd.
Bises,
Genie
I love these art nouveau entrances!
ReplyDeleteI'm fascinated by the integration of daring new designs into the older architecture in Paris. The Eiffel, Centre Pompidou, these signs. I think the controversery gives them life! Your perspective is unique & really captures it! Bonne journée, Genie, et merci d'avoir récemment visité mon blog! ~Rita
ReplyDeleteThese metro entrances are an icon inhope Paris never loses. I remember seeing them for the first time and remembering how they seemed to welcome us to this unique city.
ReplyDeleteRemember, on one travel to Paris, I have been *à la chasse à l'architecture Art nouveau*. It is long ago. Books exists as well for art nouveau in Paris.
ReplyDeleteBut, my best souvenirs is the houses in Vienna. full of them.
Tu as raison pour les contestataires. Les colonnes de Buren... j'aime pas !
la pyramide du Louvre... j'adore !