Institut de France
Sitting elegantly opposite the Pont des Arts (or Bridge of Arts), is the Institut de France. The Institut is the headquarters of five French intellectual academies, of which the most famous is l'Académie Française.
The grand cupola-topped building in baroque style is a stunning sight when seen from le Pont des Arts, also known as Passerelle des Arts. This bridge is a pedestrian bridge which links the Institut de France with the Cour Carrée (central square) of the Palais du Louvre. The whole area has been associated with art and culture since the First French Empire when the Palais du Lourve was also known as the Palais des Arts.
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The Home of the Académie Française
The Institut's buildings are now in what was the Collège des Quatre-Nations (College of Four Nations). The Collège was built by the bequeath of funds from Cardinal Mazarin who had amassed an immense fortune in his lifetime. The aim of the Collége was to educate scholars from the four new territories of France - Pignerol, Alsace, Artois and Roussillon.
The building was designed by none other than the architect to the King, Louis Le Vau. Louis Le Vau designed the dome, which crowns the complex, to be the Cardinal's Tomb. The chapel with its dome was later transformed into a majestic hall, the Salle des Séances. Looking at the dome of the Institut, I think of Napoléon Bonaparte's tomb at the Hôtel National des Invalides with its impressive golden dome, which similarly was built to crown his burial place. (Photo below)
Napoléon offered the Collège des Quatre-Nations to the Institut, and the illustrious academicians have not left it since 1805!
Photo Opportunity
I've found standing on the bridge is the best way of taking photos of the Institut as it allows you to take in most of the building in your shot. You may have to be patient, and wait for people to get out of the way so they don't fill the camera lens, but it will be worth it. Otherwise, early mornings are best with fewer people.
If you love this building, I'd also suggest you visit the Dôme des Invalides, which contains Napoléon I's tomb, and which is the emblem of the Hôtel National des Invalides. A great guide book that helps me navigate where to go and what to do in Paris is the DK Paris (Travel Guide).
Location: Institut de France, 23 Quai de Conti, 75006, Paris
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