The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 following his victory at Austerlitz, the monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin to honor the Grande Armée and those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
The structure is a massive triumphal arch, standing 50 meters tall, 45 meters wide, and 22 meters deep. Its surfaces are adorned with intricate relief sculptures depicting historical battles and allegorical figures, while the inner and outer walls are inscribed with the names of 660 generals and 158 battles. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, marked by an eternal flame that has burned since 1923.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Limestone, Marble
- Civilization
- French
- Accessibility
- Elevator access available to the museum level and terrace
- Date(s)
- 1806-1836
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active national monument
- Original Function
- Commemoration of military victories
- Key Figures
- Napoleon Bonaparte, Jean Chalgrin, Louis-Philippe I
Commission and Design
1806Following the victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch to honor his soldiers. Architect Jean Chalgrin was commissioned to design a structure inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome.
Construction Delays
1810-1830Work was interrupted by the fall of the Empire and the Bourbon Restoration. Construction resumed in 1823 under Louis XVIII and was finally completed in 1836 under the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
National Symbolism
1840-1920The arch became a focal point for national mourning and celebration. In 1840, the remains of Napoleon passed under the arch on their way to Les Invalides. In 1885, the body of Victor Hugo lay in state under the vault before his burial in the Panthéon.
The Unknown Soldier
1920-PresentIn 1920, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed beneath the arch to honor the unidentified dead of World War I. An eternal flame was added in 1923, and a daily ceremony of rekindling the flame has occurred every evening since.