Did you know? Hector Guimard, the famousArt Nouveau architect, designed the entrances to the Paris metro at the beginning of the 20th century. His contribution is notable for his use of simple, mass-produced materials, such as cast iron for the structure, stone for the substructures, enamelled lava for the panels and glass for the roofs. What's more, the inspiration of nature in his designs broke with the Haussmann tradition of the time.
This Porte Dauphine kiosk is one of ten built in the 1900s on lines 1 and 2 of the Paris metro. It is characterized by its rounded shape and double-sloped, inverted glass roof, supported by three pillars. The closed side versions are also made of enameled lava panels.
Hector Guimard was a former student and teacher at the École nationale des arts décoratifs. In 1899, the Compagnie du Métropolitain Parisien organized a competition to design the metro's entrances, in which Hector Guimard did not take part. But the company, disappointed with the results, turned to him to design the entrances to the Paris metro. Hector Guimard designed several pavilions for the metro entrances, including those at Place de la Bastille and Place de l'Étoile, as well as enclosures and aediculae of two types: A (on a square-bottomed hopper) or B (on a rounded-bottomed hopper).
Type B aediculae are characterized in particular by the enameled lava panels forming their surrounds. Model B is the most famous, with a rounded shape and a double-sloped glass roof supported by three pillars. The overall appearance of this aedicula, particularly its glass roof, earned it the nickname "Dragonfly". Hector Guimard also designed original entrances for the Étoile and Bastille stations, small pavilions with enameled lava panels framed by cast-iron uprights.
The aedicula's design was controversial at the time, with some critics deeming it too extravagant and impractical. However, Guimard succeeded in convincing the authorities of the usefulness of his design, emphasizing the importance of beauty in public spaces.
Model B at Porte Dauphine station is the only example still in existence today. It has been restored and listed as a historical monument since October 1999, to mark the centenary of the Paris metro. RATP has also rebuilt a model B kiosk, but with open sides, at Châtelet station (line 1) place Sainte-Opportune. A similar model existed at Gare de Lyon station.
A total of 167 Guimard entrances were installed at the time, divided into two categories: 104 round- or square-bottomed entrances with portico and escutcheon balustrades, and 47 cartouche entrances. Although aediculae with marquise were supposed to be the most common, open surrounds were in fact the most widespread, and aediculae were ultimately the exception.
In 1902, a financial disagreement arose between Hector Guimard and the CMP. The architect had incurred costs for the creation of cast-iron models, which the CMP considered to be included in the fees. Guimard demanded reimbursement, and there was also a disagreement over artistic ownership. The settlement was finally reached in May 1903, with compensation in exchange for relinquishing copyright.
Between 1920 and 1960, half the Guimard aediculae and surrounds were dismantled. Only 88 remain in the city, including three canopied aedicules at Porte Dauphine and Abbesses stations (type A forming a dome) and the rebuilt Châtelet station, as well as 60 candelabra surrounds and 25 cartouche surrounds. Eighty-six of these are protected and listed in the Monuments Historiques supplementary inventory. Some station entrances, such as Franklin-Roosevelt on avenue Montaigne, have been refurbished in a more restrained Art Deco style, with Dervaux lampposts designed in 1920 by Adolphe Dervaux (1871-1945) and Val d'Osne candelabras.
Hector Guimard 's metro entrances are unique examples of early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture. His work broke with the Haussmannian tradition of the time, drawing inspiration from nature and using simple materials. Today, his creations are gems for history and architecture enthusiasts, and form an integral part of the history of the Paris metro.
Location
Porte Dauphine
Porte Dauphine
75116 Paris 16
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
