Napoleon III
At the start of the Second Empire (1852 - 1870) Napoleon III undertook to modernize Paris.
Napoleon III by Franz Xaver Winterhalter
Under the influence of Napoleon III, Paris Capital underwent a radical metamorphosis thanks to the joint efforts of Baron Haussmann and Adolphe Alphand.
The modernist ambition of Napoleon III and the lasting impact of the town planning work carried out by Haussmann and Alphand.
They remodeled the appearance of the city, creating large boulevards, green spaces and emblematic places, while increasing the surface area of Paris through the annexation of neighboring municipalities.
The meeting of 4 exceptional men
Baron Haussmann
Napoleon 3
Adolphe Alphand
The architect Davioud
The architect Gabriel Davioud left a significant mark on the urban landscape of Paris in the 19th century.
His work left its mark on the city through various achievements, a large part of which still survives today.
Among his creations, we find benches, baskets, kiosks, fountains, candelabra, display posts, grilles, balustrades, exedra, piers, various shelters and guard houses.
His creations also transformed the decor of Parisian streets, with fountains such as the Saint-Michel fountain and that of the Garden of the Great Explorers.
Davioud designed the Théâtre du Châtelet (built between 1860 and 1862) as well as the Théâtre lyrique, which later became the Théâtre de la Ville.
He also participated in the design of the Bois de Boulogne, Buttes-Chaumont and Montsouris Park.
In short, Gabriel Davioud was at the same time urban planner, landscaper and architect.
Its street furniture, its fountains and its theaters contributed to giving Paris its unity and its quality of use, leaving a lasting imprint on the city to the present day.
The Davioud bench, first presented at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1855, is an iconic example of its innovative and elegant design.
