Built in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle, the Grand Palais is a must-see on any cultural tour of the capital. It was built in the same year as the Petit Palais and the Alexandre III Bridge. The idea was to replace the old Palais de l’Industrie, while creating an elegant perspective between the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the Invalides. Every year, this century-old palace welcomes thousands of visitors… But do you really know everything about this emblematic building? Here are six things to know that might surprise you!
1 – The Grand Palais is 121 years old!
Built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, the Grand Palais is over 120 years old! And unlike the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais was built to last. In fact, it was part of a large-scale urban development plan to create a new district opposite the Invalides. Dedicated to the Franco-Russian alliance, this new district saw the creation of two palaces facing each other (the Grand and the Petit), as well as one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris: the Pont Alexandre III.
2 – It took 3 years to build
It was a titanic project! It took three years to demolish the Palais de l’Industrie, then build the Grand Palais. Some of the stones from the old palace were reused and recut to make the work of the craftsmen and workers a little easier. In fact, over 1,500 workers were mobilized to complete this gigantic project.
3 – The nave is higher than the second floor of the Eiffel Tower
A veritable palace of glass and steel, the Grand Palais boasts a nave much higher than the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. The latter, 200 metres long and 50 metres wide, reaches a height of 60 metres(compared with 57 metres for the second floor of the Iron Lady). Astonishing, isn’t it?
4 – It was a military hospital during the First World War
During the First World War, the Grand Palais was transformed first into a military barracks, then into a temporary hospital. Soldiers were cared for, re-educated, housed and equipped with new supplies for their return to the front. In just a few weeks, the Grand Palais was fully disinfected and equipped to receive and care for the ever-increasing numbers of wounded.
5 – It was almost destroyed by fire
In August 1944, at the height of the Second World War, the palace suffered a violent fire. Gunfire between German officers and French policemen severely damaged the palace, which was at the heart of the conflict. The result of the assault: three dead on the French side and the metal structures of the nave severely damaged…
6 – It produces its own honey every year
This is probably the most unusual piece of information, yet it makes perfect sense when you think about it. Located right next to the Tuileries and Champs-Elysées gardens, the Grand Palais has become the ideal place to… house beehives. Five, to be precise! In all, some 60,000 bees buzz around the top of the building. They produce between 20 and 30 kg of honey a year! Not bad, eh?