Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and completed in 1836, the Arc de Triomphe honors French victories and the fallen. Reliefs and inscribed names cover the monument; since 1923 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame anchor commemoration. Conservation treats limestone decay, pollution crusts, and heavy urban vibration and traffic.
Architect Jean‑François Chalgrin drew from Roman triumphal models, scaling to Parisian urban grandeur at the Étoile. Completion came under the July Monarchy; meanings evolved with regime change.
Battles and generals ring the vaults; sculptural groups depict the Departure of the Volunteers and other scenes. The nightly rekindling of the flame sustains memory culture.
Black crusts and alveolization afflict limestone; gentle cleaning, consolidation, and mortar repairs are cyclical. Traffic loads and metro vibrations inform monitoring. Visitor safety and terrace access require continuous works.
Golden hour from the terrace frames the Champs‑Élysées; watch the flame ceremony at dusk.
