While the new “Grand Louvre” underground complex was being built in the 1990s, workers uncovered buried medieval fortifications dating from the twelfth century—almost as old as Notre-Dame. And, since this project was all about a museum, it was decided not to demolish the fortifications and replace them with a Foot Locker or Starbucks. Instead, the plans for the complex were modified to permanently integrate the fortifications within it. And so now these medieval walls are there for everyone to see.
The garish neon writing you see defacing the wall in this photo, in contrast, is a “work of moder art,” supposedly. Unfortunately, cooler heads do not always prevail in matters cultural.
