An Entrance to the Paris Métropolitain
An Entrance to the Paris Métropolitain is a sculpture by Hector Guimard, conceived in 1902 and fabricated between 1902 and 1913. Guimard designed 141 entrances to the Paris Métro of varying types, 86 of which are still standing. One is featured at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. History Conception Before the turn of the century, the French were lacking a public transportation system. During their time of reconstruction during the mid-1800s, London was building their “Underground.” This time would have been ideal for the French to build such a transportation system. City officials did realize at the time, that without a metro system, Paris would suffer in the future. Despite this, Parisians did not like the idea of something so industrial being all over the city. The French were so opposed to the idea of a metro that the first line had to be built entirely underground without ripping up surface streets. Obviously the above ground effect was important to Parisians. This meant that the entrances to the metro had to look good but not overwhelm the surrounding areas. Selection of Guimard After several designs were refused by the citizens of Paris a compromise was