The Big Hall within the monument has been redesigned. The new scenography is divided into seven sections and takes a modern, interactive approach to tracing the history of the Arc de Triomphe: a must-see.
It is the centrepiece of the Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, from where it majestically overlooks the Champs Elysées. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 in homage to French military victories, the arch was completed 30 years later during the reign of Louis Philippe, the last King of France, who dedicated the monument to the glory of the revolutionary army and the French army in general. It is adorned with reliefs and sculptures depicting scenes from Napoleon’s epic battles.
The tomb of an unknown soldier, killed in the Great War, was laid at the base of the arch on 11 November 1920 to commemorate the soldiers who fought for freedom. An eternal flame, another patriotic symbol lit for the first time two years later, burns constantly under the arch and is relit every evening.
From the top of the 50m-high Arch, you have a wonderful view of the 12 avenues radiating out from the Place Charles de Gaulle, most of which bear the names of famous Napoleonic battles such as Friedland and Wagram. The capital’s historic axis extends below the arch, with the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre on one side and the Arche de la Défense on the other.
In 2008, the Arc de triomphe is being modernised! Interactive installations will replace dated fittings that were essentially from the end of the 1930s! Great historical events are shown on exciting touch-sensitive screens. The exhibition retraces the construction of the Arc de triomphe and arches around the world, highlighting the architecture and sculpted decor. With a film, projected under your feet in real time, you imagine that the floor no longer exists and that you are flying, 31 metres high, over the forecourt and the commemorative flame.
Monument
Centre des Monuments Nationaux
Panoramic view, museum on the history of the monument. 2 viewpoint indicators at the top.
Architects: Chalgrin, Joust, Blouet. Sculptors: Cortot, Rude, Etex, Pradier, Lemaire.
On 11 November 1920, the tomb of an unknown soldier killed in the Great War was inaugurated here to remember the 1,500,000 killed in World War I. Since 1922 and even during World War II, every day at 6.30pm, the commemorative flame has been relit. 802 associations of veterans organise these ceremonies.
Others informations
Architecturals styles :
Louis Philippe style
List of collections :
History, Photography, Stamps, Medals, Textiles
Collections period :
19th century
Opening days and times
Open/Closed :
1 October - 31 March: 10am - 10.30pm. 1 April - 30 September: 10am - 11pm. Open in afternoon on 8 May abd 11 November.
Cash desk closes at :
Last admission 30 minutes before the closing of the monument.
Days of week :
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Open on those public holidays :
Easter
Easter Monday
1 May
8 May
Ascension Day
Whitsuntide
Whit Monday
14 July
15 August
1 November
11 November
25 December
Horaire nocturne :
Late opening every evening.
Individual tours
Independant tour :
€9 - RR €5.50: 18-25s, large families, teaching staff. Museum room, prints and photographs relating the great events of the Arc de Triomphe. Visit takes approx. 45 minutes.
Guided tour :
Visit with talk: tel 01 44 61 21 65 (only on reservation). Visit with commentary: free - consult information at the monument.
Free :
First Sunday of each month from October to March. All year for jobseekers, disabled ex-servicemen and one accompanying person, press, holders of Museum pass, CMN card.
Free for children :
Free for children under 18.
Group tours
Group tour :
Groups and professionals: €6. School groups (30 children maximum): €30.Tel: 01 44 54 19 30. Fax: 01 44 54 19 31
Services
Foreign language information.
Photo allowed.
Viewpoint :
View over the Place de l'Etoile - Champs-Elysées - Concorde - Louvre - La Défense.
Gifts shop.
Other services :
Museum & Monuments pass
Child minding
Animals welcome
Bookshop
Miscellaneous :
Cultural activities in sign language organised for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors by the CMN
