The Turkish Palace

Architecture & Attractions

The exhibition site could be entered via a main gate with 36 entrances. The "Porte Monumentale" (see 7 of Diamonds), also known as the "Porte Binet", after its architect, was an example of richly ornamented scenic architecture which had a major influence in shaping the exposition's overall appearance. The hall consisted of three arches connected in a triangle, covered by a dome roof of 500 square metres in size. Two minarets of 35 metres in height flanked the main arch for lighting purposes. A tower emerged from the dome like a bud, and the host city of Paris was represented at the top of this tower in the form of an allegorical female figure by Paul Moreau-Vauthier (depicted on the joker).

From Paulin's Chateau d'Eau ("Water Palace", see Ace of Diamonds) sprang a waterfall, flowing against the backdrop of a lavishly ornamented reinforced concrete facade into various small tubs located in a broad basin to set off water attractions. Plastic human and animal figures animated the artificial rocks and grottos. Close behind this spectacle, which was illuminated at night, was the Palais de l'Electricité‚ which was crowned by an iron structure of stars shining out to all sides. The daytime perspective effect was intensified by electrical illumination at night and, together with the illuminated water effects, transformed the Champs de Mars into an atmospheric sea of light.

For the most part, the technical innovations were employed to create an artificial other-worldly atmosphere by means of kaleidoscopic impressions. A vivid model was even found for the universe, on the square in front of the Eiffel Tower (see page 5). Three spheres of 46, 36 and 8 metres diameter enclosed one inside the other produced a giant globe installed in a structure of 60 metres in height. The structure was called "La Globe Celeste", the Celestial Globe. The outer layer of this globe symbolised the universe, the middle layer the stellar system and the inner layer the earth. Via a spiral staircase, visitors were able to climb up to the North Pole, from where they could enjoy a view of the painted, but nevertheless moving, firmament, accompanied by celestial organ music by Saint-Saëns. A mechanical construction which moved the spherical shells in relation to one another in accordance with the planetary orbits was responsible for the kinetic effect.