France: Underground Art

When frazzled Manhattan subway riders gasp and sigh, it is almost inevitably because of the cloacal stench and spine-crushing lack of charm that characterize the system. Not so in Par is, where ever since World War II the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens has been enthusiastically refurbishing the Métro. Last week the latest renovated subway station opened, this one at the Louvre. Parisian eyes popped.

Numerous passengers narrowly escaped a fall off the platform as they stepped back to appraise a statue of King Tutankhamen. Dramatized by artfully concealed spotlights and projectors were copies of treasures from four of the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!