The Arc de triomphe Paris recently underwent interior renovations. Beginning in 2006 and completed in 2008, the project was headed by architect Christophe Girault and new-media artist Maurice Benayoun.

A large part of the upgrades was modernizing the displays and equipment. The visual effects created include a vast number of interactive screens giving you every detail about the famous arch. In a yellow leather and metal display you can learn about the most famous arches of Europe. The room above the vault, thanks to the video, has a virtual opening.

The largest room of the attic has an installation of four screens which show the history of the arch from 1805 to present. The terrace was included in the updates with a prototype of observation glasses to increase reality.

Over the years, the renovations have included:

In 1871, a restoration after it had been seized by the Versailles artillery; general repair and cleaning in 1896; a delicate restoration in 1944 after violent Liberation battles inflicted serious damage and stone replacement in 1965 to erase the ravages of time.

More recently, from 1986 to 1989 a general structural campaign was done under the direction of architect Michel Marot. A national fund paid for half of the project which mounted to 34 million francs.

I urge everyone who has not taken a recent tour of this important national site to check out the hi tech new audio visuals as I am sure you will enjoy. Visiting the Arc de Triomphe Paris is always a joy for my family.

About the author: Paul Martin is a semi-retired writer based in Paris, France who between travelling and spending time with his grandchildren, contributes to free information sites such as www.arcdetriompheparis.com.