Metro station Cluny-Sorbonne

Of the more than 200 metro stations in Paris, Cluny-Sorbonne is one of the less used. It’s different. It’s on line 10 which was opened in 1913, but this station opened only in 1930 in connection with an extension of the line … was closed in 1939… and reopened in 1988. 

Its decoration is quite different from the more traditional ones. The ceiling is partly covered by mosaics and by the signatures of the more illustrious teachers or students at the nearby Sorbonne University. The artist is Jean Bazaine (1904-2001), also known for some modern stained glass windows in some churches e.g. the Saint Séverin Church (see previous post and picture here) and elsewhere.

Among the names I was a bit surprised to see Molière. He is said to have made some law studies in his youth, but not at Sorbonne. Anyhow… I also noted that Marie Curie signed Marya, in the original Polish spelling.

As the name indicates, the station is close to the Sorbonne University (see previous post) main entrance and to the Hôtel de Cluny and its Roman baths (see previous post).

… and for the fun of it, here is a comparison between Paris in the 18^th century and today with the Notre Dame and the Sorbonne Chapel in circles.