The Mur de la Paix moves to Avenue de Breteuil
The Mur de la Paix stood for two decades opposite the Ecole Militaire in the Parc du Champ de Mars.
It was dismantled in June 2020, in agreement with its designers and owners to be re-installed “in a restored form suiting its new environment” on the Avenue de Breteuil (15th district) in October of the same year.
The space previously occupied by the Mur de la Paix was repurposed for the installation of an ephemeral structure known as the “Grand Palais Éphémère.”
This temporary venue serves as a substitute for the Grand Palais, which closed at the beginning of 2021 for extensive restoration works spanning several years.
The Grand Palais Éphémère has been hosting various cultural events typically held in the Grand Palais and will also serve as a venue during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Mur de la Paix was (and still is) one of Paris’ notable contemporary art installations.
It boasted the impressive dimensions of 16 meters in length, 13 meters in width, and reaching a height of 9 meters. It comprised twelve glass panels adorned with the word “PEACE” inscribed in 32 languages and 13 alphabets.
It was erected in 2000 to mark the transition into the third millennium, drawing inspiration from the revered Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
However, despite its popularity among tourists and admiration from enthusiasts of modern art, its construction sparked controversy among local residents!
They indeed criticized its poor artistic quality and argued that it marred the beauty of the listed gardens situated between the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire.
Concerns were also raised about its maintenance, as the structure began to deteriorate over time.
Despite being initially granted only a temporary authorization for four months, the wall remained in place for twenty years, prompting residents to circulate petitions calling for its demolition.
The creators of the Mur de la Paix, Marek and Clara Halter, along with architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, vehemently opposed the dismantling and relocation of their creation.
However, the need for space to accommodate the Grand Palais Éphémère ultimately prevailed.
Directions: 15th District – Avenue de Breteuil
Metro: Ecole Militaire
