It’s Paris oldest metal construction and one of the oldest in the world, listed as Historical Monument since 1993. From July 27, 2018, the famous and splendid belvedere looking over the alleys of the Jardin des Plantes, the Buffon Gloriette, reopens to the public.
It required seven months of work to allow the belvedere to find its former shine.
Let’s recall that it’s in 1635 that Louis XIII creates the Jardin Royal des Plantes Médicinales [The Royal Garden for Medicinal Plants]. Since then, the place has evolved bringing its share of layouts including the Buffon Gloriette erected at the top of the maze hill; a hill created in the 14th century because of the accumulation of garbage and chalky rubble coming from the capital’s faubourgs!
As for the belvedere, it has been built in 1786-1787 upon order of Comte de Buffon, inspired by Louis XVI’s architect Edme Verniquet’s drawings and carried out by the King’s locksmith Claude-Vincent Mille. An avant-garde construction for that time since the Gloriette precedes Victor Baltard’s works by 60 years and Gustave Eiffel’s achievements by a century?
The Gloriette is set on a circular plan, displaying eight columns. 9-m tall and made of a high-end cast iron structure, the pavilion presents superstructures and decorations made of bronze, copper, brass and gold.
The Gloriette had already been restored in the early 80’s but with the strong frequentation of the Jardin des Plantes, the pollution and the water stagnancy, the building’s structure has weakened forcing the museum to close its access.
Thanks to a fundraising appeal launched in 2016 by the Museum, the Gloriette find its former glory and can now welcome visitors again!
Location
Plant Garden
Place Valhubert
75005 Paris 5
Official website
www.jardindesplantes.net
