PARIS, Oct. 5 (BUS) A month after it was wrapped in blue-silver plastic as part of an art installation, the Parisian Arc de Triomphe returned to its familiar form on Monday as work began on dismantling the wrap.
Reuters reported that the plan to encapsulate the 19th century arch was originally designed by Bulgarian-born artist Christo and executed posthumously by a team that included his nephew at a cost of about 14 million euros ($16.3 million).
The installation was scheduled to run through Sunday, and on Monday morning workers began the removal process, descending from the top of the 50-meter (164-foot) monument.
By the end of the day, much of the plastic wrap was gone, revealing the ornate stonework underneath.
Construction cranes were on standby to continue dismantling work on Tuesday. Visitors gather at the foot of the arch to take pictures.
“It’s a little sad,” Paris-based Sarah Ballol said, as she watched workers remove the recyclable wrap. “I think the installation ended too soon.”
But she added: “We will be happy to see the Arc de Triomphe as it was before.”
The installation was generally well received, although some tourists expressed frustration at arriving in Paris to see the monument in its classical form, only to find that it was hidden behind a plastic shroud.