The already famous Pont des Arts is once again in the spotlight since the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Now nicknamed Aya's Bridge, this Parisian landmark is sure to be the talk of the town, especially as crowds are now flocking to imitate her performance on the bridge.
Located between the Louvre and theInstitut de France, the Pont des Arts is an iconic Paris landmark. Built between 1802 and 1804, it was the capital's first metal bridge. The bridge was commissioned by Napoleon to equip the capital with a new technology: cast iron. It owes its name to the Palais des Arts, the name given to the Louvre when it was converted into a museum during the Revolution. The Pont des Arts was listed as a historic monument in 1975.
Did you know that an expert report on the fragility of the edifice led to a ban on access in 1977? The decision proved to be a wise one, for in 1979, a collision with a barge caused the bridge to collapse over a length of 60 meters. In 1984, after the necessary reconstruction following the 1979 collapse, the Pont des Arts reopened to the public, restored to its original form. Since then, it has become not only a place of passage but also a cultural space, hosting open-air art exhibitions and serving as a backdrop for numerous artists, musicians, film-makers and photographers.
Since the 2000s, the Pont des Arts in Paris has been home to thousands of padlocks symbolizing the eternal love of couples, who attach their initials before throwing the key into the Seine. This practice, inspired by a Chinese tradition, transformed the bridge into a collective work of art. However, by 2014, the weight of the padlocks was threatening the integrity of the bridge, forcing the authorities to remove them and install plaques to safeguard the structure. Despite this, the romantic spirit lives on, with environmentally-friendly alternatives such as ribbons and messages. The Pont des Arts remains a landmark for lovers in search of romance in Paris.
An often overlooked anecdote concerns the bridge's use during the Second World War. The Pont des Arts was one of the few Parisian bridges not to be dynamited by the retreating German army in 1944. As a result, its unique architecture was preserved and it continued to provide uninterrupted passage between the two banks of the Seine.
The performance byAya Nakamura and the Republican Guard adds to its rich history. The Pont des Arts aka Aya's Bridge continues to fascinate and attract visitors from all over the world. This bridge, which has survived centuries and significant events, is a symbol of love, history and art in the heart of Paris.
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