Plate IV - Grande Arche elevators…
Amongst the unique features of the Grande Arche are the elevators taking visitors to the belvedere platform forming the span, or roof, of the structure. These comprise of transparent panoramic bubbles or pods. Rising from ground level with increasingly dramatic views of the Paris skyline they allow occupants a 360-degree view of the trip up the 110-metre side of the arche. Even the pod roof is fully transparent as evidenced by this look up through the scaffold-like framework guiding the elevator to the top, into the ever-enlarging aperture and then through into the viewing platform. This platform is an exhibition center, housing a permanent multi-media museum covering the history of the arche, and frequently changing exhibitions of art in the Paris gallery. The elevators run daily, from 10h00 a.m. to 19h00 p.m., with the last one going up at 18h30 p.m.. Being alone and on business, I was to miss my wife on many occasions in this city of love - but my ascension in the pod was not one of them, for she will climb almost any number of stairs or stay at ground level in preference to taking even a regular enclosed elevator, such is her dislike of them. However, she liked the picture!!
The outlook over the city is spectacular.
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