The Arc de Triomphe’s earliest photographs of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s wrapped work have been revealed before its formal unveiling in Paris. 25,000 square meters of silvery cloth, fastened by 3,000 meters of contrasting crimson rope, have been draped over the 49.5-meter-tall Arc de Triomphe monument.
Following Christo’s death in 2020, it realized the “life-long ambition” of partners Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who were most known for wrapping iconic structures worldwide.
The finishing touches were being put to the wrapped Arc de Triomphe in preparation for its formal inauguration on September 18, 2021. For 16 days, the fabric covers will be in place.
The wrapped Arc de Triomphe starts to come to life, edging closer to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s concept of what had been a lifetime dream. “A living item that will move in the wind and reflect the light” that “people will want to touch” is how this project is characterized.
The huge Place Charles de Gaulle traffic intersection around the monument will be temporarily pedestrianized once the construction is complete.
The project was overseen by Christo’s team, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, the Centre Pompidou, and the City of Paris.
The everlasting flame of the Arc de Triomphe at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will remain lit during the installation and will be a great spectacle for visitors and passers-by to behold. Its interiors and terrace will stay open as well, and visitors will have the opportunity to take tours and get first-hand experience with the artwork and the duo’s previous projects.
As part of a larger strategy to transform the famous Champs-Élysées boulevard into a pedestrian-friendly public area, the Arc de Triomphe is also getting a facelift. Pockets of vegetation will be planted all around the monument and along the 1.9-kilometer-long road as part of the renovation to enhance air quality.
It is again a great time to visit Paris and feel the charged atmosphere this great project brings.