Arc de triomphe du Carrousel
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The Arc de triomphe du Carrousel celebrates Napoleon's victories of 1805. It stands between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, in the heart of Paris.
An arch for the emperor
The arch was designed by Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine. It was built from 1806 and unveiled on 15 August 1808.
It celebrates Napoleon's victories of 1805. The architects took their inspiration from the triumphal arches of ancient Rome.
What to look at on the arch
On the red marble columns stand stone soldiers, wearing the uniforms of Napoleon's army. Each soldier wears a different uniform. The carved panels between the columns show battles and treaties signed in 1805.
On top is a chariot with four horses, the work of the sculptor Bosio. It was placed there in 1827, replacing the ancient horses that were given back to Italy.
The gate of a vanished palace
The arch was the grand entrance of the Tuileries Palace, home of the kings and of the emperor. In 1871 the palace was set on fire, and in 1883 it was demolished.
That is why the arch looks so alone today, between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. Looking west, you can see the obelisk of Place de la Concorde in line. Further away stands the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées.
