100 ans de métro (1900-2000)
RATP logo
histoire(s) de métro

Bouche de métro Guimard

1900


Il choisit un matériau à la fois économique et noble, la fonte de fer, et propose des entourages vert décorés de frises d’inspiration végétale qui étonnent les Parisiens. Certains voient même dans ces bouches de métro des monstres ou des insectes dont les candélabres rouges sont les yeux.

Dès 1902, le dessin des entrées commence à être confié à d’autres architectes, et en 1912, la compagnie du Métropolitain cesse de construire des accès Guimard.

Il en reste aujourd’hui 88, classées Monuments historiques, qui constituent un témoignage remarquable du style Art nouveau à Paris.

One of the signs describing the Paris metro history and which was set to commemorate 100 years of the Metro.

The current sign describes the entrances to the metro stations and was photographed at the Bastille station.

In the next photo taken that day, you can see the Art Nouveau element that appears on the sign Click for a larger image
And also in this sign Click for sign's details
The photo of the element that reminds many of a monster or insects was taken a few months later at the entrance to the Cité metro station
Click for a larger image

RATP - Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens - Autonomous Parisian Transportation Administration

Translation of the text on the sign:
100 years of the metro (1900-2000)
metro history

Guimard metro entrance

1900

In 1899, the Art Nouveau architect, Hector Guimard, was responsible for designing all the entrances to the metro then under construction.

He chose a material that was both economical and noble, cast iron, and offered green surrounds decorated with plant-inspired friezes that astonished Parisians. Some people even see monsters or insects in these subway entrances whose eyes are the red candelabra.

From 1902, the design of the entrances began to be entrusted to other architects, and in 1912, the Métropolitain company stopped building Guimard entrances.

There remain today 88, classified as Historic Monuments, which constitute a remarkable testimony to the Art Nouveau style in Paris.