Latest news with #EiffelTower
Times
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Grand Palais rises from the ashes ‘to rival Eiffel Tower'
When the Grand Palais was built for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition, it had the second most spectacular glass roof in the world, according to Didier Fusillier, its current chairman. According to him, the most spectacular was in London's Crystal Palace, which had been built 49 years earlier for the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park before being moved to the southeast of the capital. Yet the Crystal Palace burnt down in 1936, its name living on through the local football club and leaving Paris's Grand Palais as a uniquely spectacular edifice with nothing to match it. For decades, the French did not pay much attention to the Grand Palais, which was eclipsed by another Parisian monument built for a Universal Exhibition — Gustave Eiffel's 1889 structure. 'That's because the Grand Palais is horizontal and the Eiffel Tower is vertical and you can see it from further away,' said Fusillier, 66, by way of explanation. Now he believes visions are about to change. The Grand Palais has undergone a €466 million renovation that promoters believe will turn it into an attraction to rival the Eiffel Tower. Fusillier says visitors 'will not get over it' when they see the 35m-high glass roof over an edifice that is the size of ten football pitches and open for free to the public for the first time in its history. Officials have high hopes for the project. They say it will help to regenerate the once illustrious but now much denigrated surrounding neighbourhood and notably the Champs Élysées, an avenue that most Parisians view as unappealing. A further aim is to provide a counterpoint to the prevailing mood of miserabilism in France with 'fun' exhibitions in the Grand Palais. Fusillier said he wanted to renew the festive spirit that coursed through Paris in the early 1900s. 'People should feel happy to enter the Grand Palais, especially because since the fire at the Crystal Palace, it has been the only space of its kind.' Works began in 2021 when the monument was closed for a four-year renovation phase. It partially reopened in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, staging fencing and other events. On Friday, the step-by-step reopening continued as visitors were given access to all its myriad galleries and exhibition spaces. Entrance to the main hall under the 17,500 sq m glass roof is free, as are some of the exhibitions, like Nosso Barco Tambor Terra, an immersive work made of materials such as cotton, bark and spices by Ernesto Neto, the Brazilian artist. • Where to see the finest art deco design Other exhibitions — and there are eight in all at the moment — are ticketed, with prices ranging between €8 and €17. At 72,000 sq m, the edifice is bigger than both the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, and less daunting too. Last week, for instance, an old green Renault 12 parked outside to promote a performance by Mohamed El Khatib, the Franco-Moroccan artist, who had filled an exhibition hall with beaten-up vehicles like those once used by north African immigrants to France returning to their countries of origin in the summer. In an adjacent hall is a display of balloon art, while another gallery is hosting a major exhibition of works by Niki de Saint Phalle, the late French-American artist, and Jean Tinguely, her sculptor husband. There is also an exhibition of art brut and a separate one of contemporary Danish tapestries. Fusillier said the hallmark of the Grand Palais was its 'eclecticism — it is that everything is possible here and that everything is possible at the same time'. Asked whether he risked disorientating visitors with too many different offerings that could leave the Grand Palais without a discernible identity, he said: 'The identity is the building.' He said it was like that when the Grand Palais opened. During the 1900 Universal Exhibition — which drew 50 million visitors including Claude Monet and Nicholas II, the Russian emperor — the world's first moving walkway was put on display. It was named the Rue de l'Avenir — the 'Road of the Future'. In following years, the Grand Palais staged car shows, a hot air balloon festival, boxing, show jumping, fashion shows and in the 1920s, it hosted a banquet for 15,000 farmers. But during the 20th century parts of the building were hived off and used as government offices, and the building fell into decline. By the 1990s, it was in such a state of disrepair that officials debated demolishing it after a metal rivet fell from the roof on to a design exhibition. The incident prompted a structural survey that discovered that the building was leaning dangerously. Only a last-minute government intervention spared the building, which officials now hope will assume its place alongside the Eiffel Tower as an unmissable Parisian attraction.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Quiet Spanish town 'like an underrated Barcelona' but without the crowds
Intrepid Travel's West Europe general manager Florencia Allo Moreno has recommended that anyone looking for a slightly quieter but no less pleasant trip to Spain visit Girona Colourful houses line the banks of the central river in a town typically overlooked by Brits. Over the weekend, protesters hit the streets in several Spanish cities and resort islands, squirting holidaymakers with water pistols and making their dissatisfaction with overtourism known. For those who want to avoid any tension with locals while they are away on holiday, or just fancy being somewhere a little quieter, then there are quieter, less overloaded destinations in Spin that have a huge amount going for them. Intrepid Travel's West Europe general manager Florencia Allo Moreno, who lives in Spain, told the Mirror: "We understand the frustration from protestors – tourism should not be at the expense of the local communities that live there. The industry needs to come together to better educate, advocate and regulate for a solution. "There are also ways that tourists themselves can travel responsibly. That includes considering travelling in shoulder season, visiting alternative destinations that offer a similar experience, supporting local businesses and also being a respectful traveller – remember you are visiting someone else's home.' One of those alternative destinations, according to Florencia, is Girona. "This jewel of Catalonia is a short train ride away from Barcelona, and renowned for its medieval architecture. The medieval walls of the city have stood since the 14 th century and several scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed there," she explained. It is the age of the city, and its impressive architecture, that draws most people to Girona. Also called the Passeig de la Muralla, a walk on the medieval walls is a must-do activity while there. The city walls span the eastern border of the old town, delivering views over the city from the top that are spectacular. The Jewish Quarter in Girona is one of the best preserved in the world, acting as it did as home for a large Jewish population from 982 to 1492. Today it is a warren of narrow cobbled lanes that provide a baffling maze to visitors. Hanging over it all is Girona Cathedral, a towering structure that dominates the skyline from its position on top of the hill. The only way into the cathedral is to climb the long staircase to the entrance. It competes with Pont de les Peixateries Velles as the most famous single structure in the city. Gustav Eiffel constructed the bridge in Girona over the Onyar River, just before he turned his attention to building the Eiffel Tower. Landscaped gardens line the Passeig Arqueològic, a walkway following the Old Quarter's medieval walls, which include watchtowers with sweeping views. Much like Dubrovnik in Croatia, Girona has become a major destination for Game of Thrones fans in recent years. The Cathedral was used in Season 6 of Game of Thrones, when the city as a whole acted as a backdrop for Braavos. What's particularly pleasant about Girona is its climate. While it delivers sunshine and blue skies on most days in the summer and spring, its location in the far northeast of Spain, not far from the Mediterranean coast, means you're unlikely to get roasted during a visit there. The hottest days tend to sit in the low 30s, when a cooling breeze from the sea arrives to take the edge off. During those hotter days, a trip to Plaça Independencia is in order. The lovely square is located just west of the Onyar River and is a good spot to relax with a coffee or wine in between the sightseeing.
Elle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Miley Cyrus Wears See-Through Gown With Spiral Brassiere in Paris
THE RUNDOWN On Wednesday, Miley Cyrus was photographed exiting her Paris hotel in another stunning look from her promotional tour for her visual album Something Beautiful. The star was wearing a see-through gown in a pale teal shade, with a spiral bra featuring feathered details. The long skirt revealed her dark brown cut-out sandal boots and she accessorized with long black leather gloves. The singer's hair was teased up in voluminous curls and half pinned up on her head. Later that night, Cyrus performed at Maxim's as part of her induction into Spotify's Billions Club, which admits stars who have multiple tracks that hit a billion streams. She wore a shimmering strapless minidress from Thierry Mugler's Fall/Winter 1992 couture collection in various shades of blue, white and icey gray. Glistening beads hung from the hem, and she wore semi-sheer black tights and black velvet opera gloves. She then changed into a bodysuit of red and black beads and a tuxedo jacket with a tailored waist. The 'Flowers' singer has been wearing stunning ensembles all throughout her time in Paris. Earlier this week, she was seen wearing a black dress appliquéd with an Eiffel Tower rhinestone image by designer Patrick Kelly. She was also seen in a look from Valentino, an animal print minidress in gray and black, accessorizing with white tights, white heels, and a silver handbag. Cyrus shared her feelings about the night at Maxim's in an Instagram post, writing, 'Merci @spotify for honoring my place in the Billions Club with a live performance at the legendary Maxim's de Paris. To be apart of this club is a milestone I treasure deeply, because it all begins with just one. One song and one listener at a time. You all make up that billion. I love you. Vous êtes tout pour moi.'
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Masterpiece in Bengaluru': Tower built in middle of road near Hebbal baffles commuters
A video posted by a city resident showing a massive electric tower standing squarely in the middle of a road near Hebbal has left netizens stunned and amused in equal measure. Shared with the caption, "Allow me to introduce you to this masterpiece in Bangalore," the clip quickly gained traction online, triggering a flood of reactions and memes. In the video, the rider can be seen navigating a stretch of road where an imposing high-tension (HT) transmission tower obstructs the path, a sight many found both absurd and symbolic of Bengaluru's chaotic urban planning. (Also Read: School bus driver runs over biker, crashes into car in chain collision days after crackdown on drunk driving. Video) The responses on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from disbelief to satire. "What came first? The road or the tower? Gotta know who's responsible," one user questioned. Another dubbed it the "Eiffel Tower of Bangalore," while someone else joked, "Blore people are going to line up to see this place." Some pointed to poor governance, with a user saying, "Many times the answer is corruption, but quite often, it's just plain stupidity." Others noted that this wasn't unique to Bengaluru. "There's one in Karur as well, if that makes you feel any better," another commented. Adding some context, one user familiar with the area wrote, 'This is Hebbal Kempapura. People have wantonly constructed around the HT line. This line goes to Sahakarnagar sub-station and all the way to Yelahanka. 30 years ago, the houses around this line didn't exist.' They added that underground cabling is already underway, and it's only a matter of time before the overhead lines, and possibly the tower, are relocated. could not confirm the when the tower was built. While officials have not yet issued a statement on the structure, the video has reignited concerns about the lack of coordination in Bengaluru's infrastructure planning. (Also Read: 'Narayana Murthy must be dancing': Karnataka's 12-hour workday proposal triggers meme fest(
Elle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Selena Gomez Had a One-Word Response to Miley Cyrus's Skintight Leopard-Print Minidress
THE RUNDOWN Even Selena Gomez was floored by Miley Cyrus's wardrobe during the press tour for her new visual album, Something Beautiful. The star posted a public shout-out to Cyrus on Instagram, regramming the shot Cyrus shared of herself in the skintight Valentino leopard-print dress she wore yesterday. Gomez's one-word response said it all: 'Icon.' Cyrus wore a black jeweled minidress with an Eiffel Tower design on it, too: Gomez, a longtime friend of Cyrus's, showed her support in late May as well. She posted a photo of Cyrus in a cropped black suit jacket, a white blouse, and pants to her Instagram Story, writing, 'EVERYTHING,' with a heart-eyes emoji. Cyrus and Gomez both had their breakout roles on the Disney Channel during their adolescence. In 2020, Gomez had a big moment on Cyrus's Instagram series Bright Minded, revealing during the interview that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She went to 'one of the best mental hospitals,' in the U.S., and 'I discussed that after years of going through a lot of different things, I realized that I was bipolar,' Gomez said. 'And so when I go to know more information, it actually helps me. It doesn't scare me once I know it.' Prior to her appearance on the show, the pair reconnected over Instagram DM. Gomez kicked off the conversation by sending Cyrus a butterfly emoji. 'I think you're one of the greatest singers ever,' Gomez told her on Bright Minded. 'And I just was so happy that I even got this opportunity to talk to you about some of the most incredible people.'
