L'Arc de Triomphe wrapped by Christo and Jeanne-Claude

[kerouac2]

Since I kept track of a bit of the wrapping (in the 'Has Paris Changed?' thread), it was time to see the finished product.

I took the metro to Franklin D. Roosevelt since I wanted to walk up to the Arc.

It was interesting to note that the Champs Elysées was not closed to traffic today, but the crowds decided that the space was theirs anyway, in spite of police bull horns.  But I arrived at the reserved area.

Frankly, it was prettier than I expected.

To get up close, there was a security check and also the obligation to show one's vaccination pass.

Social distancing was out of the question, but a lot of people kept their masks on anyway.

Here are the cords holding the wrapping.

And this is the fabric.  It is rougher than canvas and seems stronger.

[mickthecactus]

This usually leaves me cold but you’re right. It is pretty.

[kerouac2]

It is impossible not to look over at La Défense to the west of the city.





There were a lot of attendants to distribute little squares of the fabric. I decided that I did not need any.



Being in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, I was able to see that there was an alignment in the direction of the Tribunal de Paris.



I need to return and see this a few more times -- after dark, in the rain or other different moments. I will be adding more photos.

[casimira]

Thanks for posting these up close and personal photos of Christo's  recent "installation".
I have very fond memories of being in NYC when he swaddled a large section of Central Park in 2005 with a silky like saffron fabric, known as "The Gates" It was magical.

I'm curious as to how he got this commission and who finances it?

[kerouac2]

It is 100% financed by the Christo and Jeanne-Claude foundation, just like every other installation that he ever did. Sales of models and sketches pay for everything, not a single euro to be paid by taxpayers.

Christo actually worked on this project for 60 years, because it was one of his first ideas when he was in his 20s. He never thought it would happen, but President Macron finally gave the green light when he came to power.

[lugg]

Your photos in #2 really show how it must look close up and I especially like your very last photo . How long will it be wrapped ?

[kerouac2]

It will be visible for three weeks.

[lugg]

plenty of time for night photos and rain hopefully

[cheerypeabrain]

Gosh. That is. Um. Isn't it.

[kerouac2]

Here is a good short video report about the project:

edition.cnn.com/style/article/christo-arc-de-triomphe-wrapped-completed/index.html

[tod2]

I would'nt mind that fabric order......

It looks amazing Kerouac. Cant wait for more photos.

[questa]

More than pretty, it is beautiful...wonder-ful. I remember when he wrapped a section of rocky headland in Sydney about 40 years ago. It looked weird while it was being done but when it was finished everyone said "AAAH" with big smiles on their faces. There is a doco telling the story.

(Now I'm going back to look at K2 's great pics of Paris rapt)

[YankyGal]

Love all the details in your pictures. Thanks for the report - we will be seeing it next week.

[kerouac2]

As promised, here are a few photos taken after dark.



I am always amused by the contorsions people will make for their selfies.



People remain as thrilled as ever to tread the pavement in places that are normally forbidden.









One more week to admire it and then it's finished.

[questa]

I hope that recognition is given to the scaffolders, rappelers, and climbers who did the hard work to produce this wonder.

[kerouac2]

[htmb]

Nice pictures, Kerouac, and thanks for bringing us a variety of views. I find it interesting to see how the inside of the Arc is wrapped, too. I assume it had to be done carefully and respectfully.

[tod2]

My that is a dramatic scene against the dark sky! Just fabulous, thanks Kerouac.

[kerouac2]

Sept 26, 2021 11:23:49 GMT htmb said:

Nice pictures, Kerouac, and thanks for bringing us a variety of views. I find it interesting to see how the inside of the Arc is wrapped, too. I assume it had to be done carefully and respectfully.

Speaking of respect, work stopped completely every day between 18:00 and 19:00 because that is the hour of the daily official ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier during which the eternal flame is "rekindled."

[lugg]

Thank you K2 for showing us how it looks at night, it did not disappointment me at all . I love all your photos but especially the final one, spectacular .

[whatagain]

I like the pics, as usual but i dislike the wrapping.
I don't find it beautiful and i see it as a kidnapping of monuments.
Imagine the Aussie who goes for a one trip in his life to Europe. Back, he is asked how the Arc was.
- dunno, it was covered, being under repair i guess...

[tod2]

I catch your drift Whatagain. There have been a few disappointments for us when in Paris over the years. Either something is closed or under repair. I've had to learn to say "Öh well, I'll see that next time"!
If I didn't shrug it off I would spoil my whole holiday.
I was thinking back to the cleaning up of the Canal Saint Martin some years back now. How disappointing for tourists not to see that lovely waterway glistening like a ribbon running through the area. However, luckily I have slept beside it, walked along it and had one of those boat rides from one end to the other - Now all I want is to be there for the next clean-up as that would interest me for hours.

[questa]

As Whatagain slowly drifts off, let's hear what the Aussies said...

Big Business "Must find out who does their advertising...makes a good background for our art work"

Outdoors adventurers. " No, Mate you'd need a higher grade rope and start from the north face."
"Yeah, and no abseiling 'til the Press get here"

3 Millenials (F) " But that dress was so, so... I want to go back for it, What? where? Oh yes, very pretty

Senior Citizen's European Adventure (M)" Well I think it is a disgusting waste of money and time
building that monstrosity. That's not art, they don't know what art is here."

His poor wife. "Yes Dear. Doesn't that silvery material look nice. Maybe get some for curtains in the lounge room"

Youngish couple with backpacks standing at a distance, sharing a joint..."WOW! MAN"

[kerouac2]

Anyway, yesterday was the last day and the unwrapping can begin. No work by Christo and Jeanne-Claude will ever be done again.