Christo, l’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped

 

On Tuesday, I finally made it up to see the l’Arc de Triomphe, wrapped.

I figured the best approach was one metro stop before Etoile, the George V and then proceed on foot.

Turns out that may be the only way to go. 

Today, Sunday is the last day of an 18-day happening in Paris. Go toute suite if you can.

Weekdays, traffic around the Etoile made it necessary to use the underground tunnel to access the Arc. 

So there was checking for vaccine proof etc. 

Historic old photos line the underground walls. 

We come up the stairwell to this monolithic form that dwarfs you.

Its all about scale. 

The silvery-blue wrapping/emballer simplifies the forms like nothing else. 

Artist Christo and Jean-Claude’s project has been in the works for 20 years. It was completely paid for with their own money.

Meet Mateo G., an Italian student in London just here for the 2 weeks. He spoke no French. He applied online months earlier, was interviewed and made the grade.  Guides are from all over, speaking various languages, answering questions.  Their tops are that stunning Christo cyan blue. 

Along with information they hand out free squares of the actual draping fabric, 25,000 square meters of silver polypropylene fabric, held in place by 3,000 meters of red rope.

Everyone wants a selfie. Some pretended to  climb the red ropes for their selfies.

Batches of students were drawing onsite.

At 5:45 a barrage of police cars appeared blaring their alerts. President Macron was coming. We all had to clear out. 

We exited from a different entrance, so you ended up walking a circle around the Arc and seeing it from other angles. Altogether a joyful experience for everyone who showed up. Thanks for reading PB! If you like this newsletter, forward it to a friend, Receive Parisbreakfast letters, maps, watercolors in your mailbox📮💌💋💕🐻