Palais de Chaillot

This neoclassical building was designed by Louis Azéma-Auguste and Jacques Boiliau Carlin. It was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1937 and replaced the Trocadero Palace which was built in 1878. The palace with its huge curved columns on both wings ending in a huge hall, was decorated with sculptures and carvings. On the wall of the pavilions are inscriptions in gold by the poet and essayist Paul Valery. The plaza between the two pavilions are filled with ponds and large bronze sculptures, making it a spectacular place. The huge water canyons pointing at the Eiffel Tower are illuminated at night.