The Famous Morris Columns of Paris

The Morris Columns (Colonnes Morris or Colonnes d’Affichage) are a set of ornamental cast-iron columns located on the streets of Paris, France. They are a distinctive feature of the streetscape in Paris, France.

These ubiquitous cylindrical advertising columns were designed in the 1860s by Gabriel Morris as a means to display posters and advertisements.

The columns stand about 4 meters (13 feet) tall and have a distinctive decorative design inspired by the neo-Renaissance style popular during Napoleon III’s reign. They feature fluted shafts with ornate capitals and bases adorned with plant and animal motifs.

Originally numbering over 100, the Morris Columns allowed the city to regulate and consolidate poster advertising after previously being displayed in a haphazard way on buildings and fences. Their design allowed posters to be glued to the column’s surface and removed periodically.

While their original advertising function has diminished over time, the Morris Columns are now considered iconic pieces of street furniture and emblems of 19th-century Parisian urban design. They are operated by JCDecaux.

Many have been designated as historic monuments. Hundreds of authentic Morris Columns remain standing in locations across Paris today.