2005: Reopening of the Nave

2005: Reopening of the Nave

After twelve years of closed doors, the Grand Palais reopened to coincide with the European Heritage Days in 2005. For a fortnight half a million visitors thronged to admire the brand new stone and glass edifice.

The Nave had been restored to its former splendour, enhanced by the exhibition of Coronelli’s globes. “More than a new opening, this is a rebirth”, declared Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, the Minister of Culture, at the inauguration ceremony.