The Palais du Trocadero that no longer exists

I admire the care the French take in preserving Parisian architectural heritage. Wandering through Paris is like traversing the history of the city's construction. From the remnants of the Roman era, we move through the Middle Ages, past the less imposing buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries, admire the mansions of the 18th and 19th centuries, until we reach the 20th century and contemporary architecture.

A small comparison. When I return to Brazil, the neighborhood where I was born no longer exists; the elegant houses from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s could not survive real estate speculation.

One day, while researching online, I stumbled upon a photo that surprised me.

In the foreground is the Eiffel Tower. Behind the Iron Lady is an immense structure known as the Palais du Trocadéro. I am shocked to realize that what we call Trocadéro has absolutely nothing to do with the recently discovered photo. I discover that the French destroyed a palace from the second half of the 19th century in the early 20th century.

The Trocadéro today is a 1937 building occupied by the Museum of Mankind, the Chaillot Theatre, and the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine. The late Trocadéro was a Byzantine-inspired palace built for the 1878 World's Fair. This immense building housed a theater and two museums.

It was not meant to survive the exposition and its demolition was planned. Yet it was ultimately preserved for 60 years. Sixty years of fierce criticism about its elaborate style and terrible acoustics. In 1935, the Palais du Trocadero was dismantled and its place taken by the Palais de Chaillot.

Other Parisian monuments with ephemeral design intentions, initially disliked by Parisians, ended up being embraced. Among them is the Eiffel Tower. However, the Palais du Trocadéro had few defenders, and its destruction was celebrated. For its detractors, it had the merit of freeing up one of the city's most beautiful vistas.

Some decorative elements from the Palais du Trocadero were preserved and scattered throughout France. The statues representing the continents that adorn the entrance of the Musée d'Orsay came from the destroyed palace.

Just like the immense animals placed in front of the Orsay, but on the opposite side.

It was a great discovery to learn about the origin of these sculptures. They have a dense aspect that contrasts with the light color of the Orsay.

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