It had been under construction for a year. The Fontaine des Innocents, located in the center of Paris near Les Halles and Beaubourg, was restored to water on Thursday, June 27, 2024, following its renovation. One of the oldest fountains in the capital will therefore be visible to tourists during the 2024 Olympic Games.
This imposing Greek temple supported by cascading basins, with five reliefs of nymphs which made its reputation, was built in 1549 by Jean Goujon, “one of the greatest artists of the French Renaissance”confided to theAFP Emmanuelle Philippe, from the Conversation of Religious and Civil Works of Art (COARC) in Paris. This is the ” masterpiece “ of the sculptor.
An emblematic monument of Paris
The famous nymphs have been reproduced in resin to preserve the originals from the deterioration of time and pollution. “It was high time to give back [à la fontaine] its shine because it was in very poor condition”for her part welcomed Karen Taïeb, heritage assistant for the City of Paris, who has led the project since the first studies in 2018.
The pediments, entablatures and ornamental columns were renovated and some rooms were redone. The stones of the basins and the hydraulic system were also completely renovated. The entire restoration cost 4.5 million euros.
The fountain previously adjoined the now-defunct Church and Cemetery of the Innocents. Inaugurated a few decades before the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre, it was moved several times to Les Halles and had a façade and three nymphs added before the Revolution. An exhibition dedicated to the fountain is being held at the Carnavalet Museum until August 25, 2024. Jean Goujon’s original nymphs are on display there.
