8.4.13

Under the cupola...



Not easy to get in here, but there are some exceptions...

We all know the “Institut de France” from outside. Approaching it on the Pont des Arts, we admire the cupola and we know that it’s the place where all the French “académies” have their official meetings.
I already posted about this building in a post about the “Bibliothèque Mazarine” (Mazarin library), in the eastern wing, and told the story about how it was originally created as a “Colllège des Quatre Nations” and opened in 1682 – bequest by Cardinal Mazarin at his death in 1661. This fantastic building (architect Le Vaux) was thus a school building – for privileged pupils - until the Revolution. In 1805 Napoleon decided to make it the place for the French “académies”. (Previously they were housed at the Louvre – actually they had disappeared during the revolutionary years but were reestablished.)

Originally, the space under the cupola was made as a chapel, where Mazarin’s tomb should be placed. When the academies* were installed, the space was transformed - and has been again, now with seats (in green for the academy members, in grey for invited people).


The round cupola that we see from the outside is less round seen from the inside. Through the inner windows we can see that there are other windows behind.


Mazarin’s tomb is now in the entrance hall. The beautiful monument (by Coysevox and others)  is however empty of its contents – the Revolution passed. Actually there is another little cupola also over this space. … and of course we can again find Napoleon.




On a photo from around 1900 we can see that a statue was placed in front of the building. For some reason, it has later been moved to a place nearby. The monument in question from 1848 is the first official representation of the French Republic.  

______________________________
*/
- Académie Française (French Academy, concerning French language), founded in 1635
-Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-lettres (Academy of Humanities), founded in 1663
-Académie des Sciences (Academy of Sciences), founded in 1666
-Académie des Beaux-arts (Academy of Fine Arts), created in 1816 after merger of previous art and music academies
-Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques, (Academy of Moral and Political Sciences), founded in 1795, suppressed in 1803 and reestablished in 1832


16 comments:

Starman said...

Great post. I've never been inside, didn't know it was possible.

Alain said...

Il ne te reste plus qu'a poser ta candidature : il y a quatre fauteuils disponibles en ce moment.

SusuPetal said...

A beautiful building, the round shapes are a pleasure for the eye.

Dédé said...

Ils ont l'air confortable ces fauteuils. Comme dit Alain, tu devrais postuler.

Synne said...

You're right, I've seen the cupola so many times - thanks for the look on the inside!
I always love small, circular windows high up on the walls. If I ever build my own house, I'm definitely having those installed.

Thérèse said...

Tu as donc été reçu sous la coupole, quel honneur!
Alain a l'air de bien suivre les places vacantes.
Je suis en train de me demander si l' "expertise" de l'Académie des sciences morales et politiques a été sollicitée ces dernières semaines? et si celle-ci sera rendue publique...

Anonymous said...

Very interesting post!
That first photo is a dream...
Thank you, Peter.
Maria

Studio at the Farm said...

Thank you, Peter, for another interesting Paris post. I appreciate your wonderful photos!

Cergie said...

L'image du dessus est tout à fait trompeuse en effet, on dirait que l'on est dans un cirque et que l'espace est tout petit pour le "spectacle". Ceci dit cela ne doit pas être très commode d'assister aux réunions, on doit s'y tordre le cou.
Mazarin aussi a disparu dans les fièvres de la Révolution, et son corps ne fut jamais retrouvé donc ?

claude said...

Académie des sciences morales et politiques, ça me fait bien rire. Certains n'ont pas du souvent y mettre les pieds.
D'après Cergie qui est dans le tombeau de Mazarin si ce n'est pas son corps à lui.
Comme d'habitude à Paris, c'est un bel édifice tant dehors que dedans.
La statue de la République Françaises est très belle.

M said...

Another beautiful and informative post. You never did say how you managed to get in :)

Cezar and Léia said...

I hope I can visit inside there someday, this place is amazing!Thanks so much for sharing this fabulous article, your pictures are wonderful, I love so much the sculptures and the details!
Léia

Parisbreakfasts said...

Very auspicious environment!
they shold make a place for the Academie of Paris tour leaders or whatever you are called IMHO/

martinealison said...

L'été dernier j'ai pris un nombre incroyable de photos de cet emplacement, mais je n'ai pas eu le privilège de pénétrer à l'intérieur... Nous n'avons pas les mêmes valeurs !!
J'aime beaucoup ton reportage... Tu m'as convaincue, je vais faire appel à toi comme guide lors de mon prochain séjour parisien!
Merci pour ces belles photos. ainsi que pour les plus anciennes.

Gros bisous

Virginia said...

I've walked past it many times but now I can see the inside. You find your way into many interesting places Peter, and we're so glad!
V

redheadwithglasses said...

I have also walked alongside the Institue and could only imagine it's interiors. Such an elegant space. Thank you for posting these photos as I may never have had the opportunity to see inside.