Panthéon

The French Revolution of 1789 brought radical changes for France and the world. Originally planned as the church of Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon was turned into a secular mausoleum during the Revolution. It was intended not only to serve as a house of worship, but also as a final resting place for eminent personalities who exemplified the ideals of the Revolution. The transformation of the Panthéon symbolized the shift from monarchical and religious order to the Republic and underscored the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that formed the bedrock of the Revolution. Today, the Panthéon remains a monument to those who paved the way for a modern and democratic society.

Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot aimed for a synthesis of Classicism and innovative structures. Being a close friend of the brother of “Madame de Pompadour”, the mistress of King Louis XV, he received the commission for the immense church construction in the form of a Greek cross as a relatively unknown architect. The Corinthian columns holding up the majestic portico are reminiscent of Roman antiquity and grant the building timeless beauty.

The interior of the Panthéon is marked by a clear, open structure. The crossing and altar area are spanned by a majestic dome, while the high clerestory provides generous lighting. The indoor walls are adorned with impressive murals and sculptural elements.

The true highlight of the Panthéon is undoubtedly its monumental dome, which defines the Paris skyline. The dome has a diameter of 27m (88,6ft) and rests on a cylindrical drum. The use of the round opening in the ceiling of the dome (Oculus) ensures natural lighting and gives the interior an atmospheric quality.

The graves in the Panthéon's crypt are arranged in niches and contribute to the majestic atmosphere of the place. The crypt, or lower church, extends across the entire building.

Soufflot’s visionary design has earned the Panthéon a firm place among the most outstanding buildings in the world and can therefore compete with the Pantheon in Rome or Saint Paul's Cathedral in London.

An intriguing architectural feature is the Foucault’s Pendulum, which was installed in 1851 by the French physicist Léon Foucault. It hangs on a 67m (219,8ft)long cable from the dome of the Panthéon and demonstrates the rotation of the Earth. It symbolizes not only scientific progress but also the unstoppable movement of time and advancement.

The Panthéon remains not just a monument of the past, but also plays an active role in today's Paris. As a place for temporary exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events, it is a vibrant center that continues to inspire and connect the Parisian community. Nestled in the charming Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement, the oldest in Paris), the neighborhood around the Panthéon buzzes with student life, bookstores, and cozy cafés. Here, one can sense the spirit of bohemia and the pulse of the city while strolling through the cobblestone streets.

Marie was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize and did so twice – once in Physics (1903, jointly with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel) and 1911 in Chemistry. The couple's work in the field of Physics and Chemistry laid the foundations of modern science. Marie Curie became an inspiring figure for future generations of scientists after the accidental death of her husband Pierre, particularly inspiring women to pursue their abilities. Her fame continued to grow after her death. Marie Curie became a national heroine and an embodiment of scientific genius. Biographies and film adaptations tell of her extraordinary life and the many challenges she had to face.

Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet (1694–1778), was one of the most influential thinkers, writers, and philosophers of the European Enlightenment. Born in Paris, Voltaire distinguished himself with sharp intellectuality, a satirical style of writing, and an unwavering commitment to enlightenment values. His numerous works, including 'Candide' and 'Philosophical Pocket-Book', criticized religious intolerance, political arbitrariness, and social injustice. Voltaire's ideas significantly contributed to the shaping of modern concepts of freedom, tolerance, and freedom of speech. His passionate advocacy for rationality and reason made him a symbol of progress and a key figure in the intellectual heritage of the 18th century.

Josephine Baker (1906-1975) was symbolically reinterred in the crypt. She was an African-American French singer, dancer, actress, as well as a resistance fighter and civil rights activist.

Victor Hugo (1802-1885), writer and politician.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), philosopher, writer, educator, naturalist, and composer.

Émile Zola (1840-1902), writer, painter, and journalist.

Simone Veil (1927-2017), politician, member of the Académie française, and Holocaust survivor.