The Abbesses Art Nouveau Metro Entrance by Hector Guimard in Paris
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Abbesses is a station on Line 12 of the Paris Métro, located in the Montmartre district, known for its artistic history and vibrant atmosphere. The station is renowned for its beautiful Art Nouveau entrance designed by Hector Guimard, which is a striking feature in the area.
Abbesses station is situated at the foot of the Montmartre hill, close to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The address associated with the station is 12 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France.
Early 20th Century Beginnings
The station was opened on 30 July 1911 as part of the original section of Line 12, which aimed to alleviate congestion and connect various parts of Paris. Named after the surrounding area, the line and the station were integral to making Montmartre more accessible, especially during the early 20th century, when it was a hub for artists and intellectuals.
Abbesses station stands out for its decorative features, including colorful tiles and a unique higher platform due to the area’s topography. It is one of the deepest stations in the network, with an interesting spiral staircase connecting the street level to the platform.
The Abbesses Metro entrance is one of the most iconic examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris and represents Hector Guimard’s celebrated design work for the Paris Métro system.
About the Canopy
The canopy at Abbesses was originally installed at the Hôtel de Ville station before being relocated to the Montmartre district in 1974. The Abbesses station itself opened in 1913 and is Paris’s deepest station, situated 36 meters underground on the west side of Montmartre’s hill.
Design Features
The entrance features a balustrade adorned with intricately crafted medallions depicting leaves, a quintessential Art Nouveau theme. The structure includes Guimard’s signature glass and cast iron canopy with organic, plant-like forms that characterize the Art Nouveau movement.
The fan-like glass awning was inspired by the delicate wings of a dragonfly, one of Art Nouveau’s major motifs, epitomizing the movement’s interest in reinterpreting organic forms as functional objects.
Significance
While only three Art Nouveau canopies with glass roofs remain in Paris today, the Abbesses entrance is particularly special as one of the last complete examples of Guimard’s original covered entrances. His designs, created between 1900 and 1913, transformed the Paris Métro entrances into works of art and became an integral part of the city’s visual identity, breaking from traditional Haussmannian architecture by drawing inspiration from nature and using innovative materials.
