The Grand Arch or in French - La Grande Arche de la Défense - is a modern building-monument that completes the Triumphal Way, the line of three famous arches of Paris. This modern architectural jewel was envisioned to emphasize the importance of the new business quarter of Paris and represents one of the tourist attractions of the city.
The construction of the Grand Arch started in 1985 and was finished in 1989, just in time for the celebration of the two centuries from the start of the French Revolution (started in 1789). This arch is located on the line called the Triumphal Way, or the Great Axis, that connects in a straight line the three famous arches of Paris: Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (next to Louver), the Triumphant Arch and Grand Arch de la Defense.
Unlike the other two arches constructed in order to emphasize the French military victories, this one was built in order to celebrate the humanitarian ides and to emphasize the importance of La Défense quarter, as the business center of France.
The architecture of the Grand Arch is really magnificent- the shape of the structure is a cuboid 110 meters high, 106 wide and 19 meters deep. The interior space contains offices and conference rooms. The façade of the structure is covered with Italian white Carrara marble, granite and glass. Towards the base of the arch, you will notice the tent-like structure, called a cloud. This “cloud” was made of plastic material in order to reduce the winds through the arch and to reduce the visual feel of the empty space. It is interesting to mention that the arch is twice the size of the Triumphal Arch and that it can enclose the whole Notre-Dame Cathedral.
All until 2010, visitors could reach the platform on the last floor of the structure and enjoy the magnificent view on the rest of the city. However, due to a problem regarding one of the elevators, the arch was completely closed for visitors.
