The Fontaine des Innocents in Paris's 1st arrondissement reveals its newfound beauty. Located in the dynamic Les Halles district, this Renaissance work of art, hidden behind scaffolding for far too long, is coming back to life. The restoration of this historic monument, which cost the City of Paris almost 4 million euros, has restored the famous fountain to its former beauty.
The process of restoring the Fontaine des Innocents has not been without its pitfalls. Despite a budget allocated back in 2014, the actual start of the work was delayed, causing concern among local residents and enthusiasts of Parisian heritage. However, at the instigation of the mayor's office and after several preparatory stages, the worksite was finally able to go ahead. Today, it is once again open to us. This is an opportunity to look back at its history and learn why it bears such a name.
To understand the origin of this monument's name, we need to look at the history of the Saints-Innocents. Their story is linked to the "Massacre of the Innocents", a famous biblical episode recounted in the Gospel according to Matthew. According to this text, Herod, King of Judea, ordered this crime in the 1st century BC, after his soothsayers announced the birth of a future King of the Jews. To eliminate this threat, Herod decided to kill all children under the age of two in the Bethlehem area. It was on this occasion that Jesus' parents fled to Egypt, a famous scene in Christian iconography.
Wondering what this biblical episode has to do with the fountain in Paris's Les Halles district? Visible between rue Saint-Denis and rue aux Fers, the so-called"Fontaine des Innocents" actually replaced a medieval fountain, backing onto a church and its cemetery. At the request of King Louis VII, the church was named "Saints-Innocents" in homage to the slaughtered children.
The Fontaine des Innocents is more than just an architectural structure; it's a living piece of Paris's history. Its restoration is therefore much more than an aesthetic issue; it's about preserving a priceless cultural and historical heritage.
Between 1784 and 1785, the church and cemetery of the Innocents were dismantled for sanitary reasons, but the Fontaine des Innocents was preserved. The latter was relocated to the heart of the newly developed site, which became the site of the Innocents market. The architects responsible undertook a renovation of the fountain, giving it a square pavilion structure and adding a fourth façade.
The ornamentation is enriched by the addition of three naiads (two on the south façade and one on the left west side) and four lions at the corners. The former underpinnings are replaced by basins. Augustin Pajou was commissioned to forge these sculptural additions.
The Marché des Innocents, immortalized in 1839 by A.P. Martial, bears witness to the commercial effervescence of the period. However, with the arrival of Victor Baltard's Halles, the market ceased to operate.
In 1860, the fountain was moved just a few meters to its current location, following a reorganization of the square that included the construction of new buildings to the west and a square to the east. A project by Victor Baltard had even envisaged relocating the fountain to the corner of rue Montorgueil and rue Montmartre, although this never materialized.
The Fontaine des Innocents begins a new chapter in its history, with the restoration of its water and lighting. This renewal, coinciding with the arrival of the Olympic Games in Paris, symbolizes the indefectible link between the city's past, present and future.
To find out more, its restoration is accompanied by an exceptional exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet, where you can learn more about the secrets of this monument. Works by Augustin Pajou and Jean Goujon, including the famous nymphs, are featured, highlighting the skills of Renaissance artists and the dedication of modern restorers.
The Fountain of the Innocents: the Musée Carnavalet's historical and artistic exhibition - photos
The Musée Carnavalet is devoting an exhibition to the history of the Fountain of the Innocents and its creator, on view from April 24 to August 25, 2024. [Read more]
The Fontaine des Innocents, with its rich history and rediscovered beauty, is to be rediscovered in the heart of Paris, in the lively Les Halles district.
Location
Fountain of the Innocents
43 Rue St Denis
75001 Paris 1
Recommended age
For all
The Fountain of the Innocents: the Musée Carnavalet's historical and artistic exhibition - photos
