Closed for safety reasons in 1993 after a metal bolt fell from the ceiling, the fin-de-siecle masterpiece has been renovated at a cost to the state of more than $85 million and is now poised to take back its place as one of the French capital’s prime cultural attractions.
Tens of thousands of tourists and Parisians are expected to visit the vast domed palace on the right bank of th river Seine for an initial two-week opening, after which it will gradually revert to its original function as a space for artistic and trade shows.
More than 13,000 people had visited the first day, according to the culture ministry, which organized public access Saturday to many of France’s architectural wonders on the country’s annual National Heritage Day.
Visitors over the fortnight will also be able to get a rare view of two massive 17th century globes which were commissioned by the Sun King Louis XIV and have been put on public display only once in the last century.
The so-called Coronelli globes measure nearly five meters in diameter and weigh two tons each. Built of wood and plaster in the 1680s, they depict the known earth and the stars and at the time of construction were the biggest in the world.
The architect who oversaw the reconstruction for the last five years, Alain Perrot, was emotional at the opening.
“It is a big joy. Earlier I heard people say how they felt a great serenity passing under the dome. That makes me happy … Everyone sees that we’ve gotten a jewel back. A sleeping woodenbeauty has finally awaken,” he said.
Commissioned for the 1900 World Fair, where it housed the exhibition of fine arts, the Grand Palais formed part of a major redevelopment of the area next to the Champs-Elysees. The neighboring Petit Palais and the magnificent Alexandre III bridge were built at the same time.
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