The Grand Palais is one of the two halls built to house the 1900 World Exposition in Paris. Designed to "glorify the French arts," the Grand Palais was constructed between 1877 and 1900 and supervised by architect Charles Girault. The combination of the Grand Palais's metal frames in the art nouveau style and its classic stone facades is typical of that era.
The facade overlooking Avenue du Churchill was designed by architect Henry Deglane. Mounted atop the corners of each of the entrances is a quadriga of impressive proportions designed by Georges Recipon.
Glowing behind the colonnade is a glass mosaic representing the history of the arts (made by G. Martin and designed by artist Fowrnier). The facade overlooking Avenue du General Eisenhower was designed by the architect Albert Louvet. The top of the monumental entrance is adorned with a bas-relief designed by Teunissen: "The arts and sciences welcome the approaching century." Across the entrance, decorated with sculptures of women and children is a typically modernist marble pool, "The Water Mirror," designed by sculptor Raoul Larche.
The facade overlooking Avenue du Roosevelt was designed by architect Albert-Felix-Theophile Thomas. Both sides of its gallery are decorated with equestrian statues made by sculptors Falgler and Peter.
The most prestigious works of art succeed one another in the numerous halls of the Grand Palais. Displayed here were "Scythian Gold," "Ancient Egypt's Treasures," masterpieces by Antoine Watteau, Pieter Bruegel and Paul Gauguin. Spring and autumn shows by modern French artists and publishers are traditionally held here, as well as exhibitions of musical instruments.
The Grand Palais has been used as a concert hall many times. During the celebration of the bicentenary of the French Revolution, the Grand Palais was converted into a spacious stage with room for 4,200 audience members who attended the grand ballet festival there.