“Colbert,” a name echoing through Parisian history. This avenue, Rue Colbert, pays homage to Jean-Baptiste Colbert. He was Louis XIV’s influential minister and controller-general of finances. Imagine stepping back to 1683. Rue Colbert was created by order of Jean-Baptiste Colbert himself. It stood before his hôtel on Rue Vivienne.
Originally, the area belonged to the Palais Mazarin. Colbert later repurchased parts of the gardens from the Marquis de La Meilleraye. Colbert ordered its creation. The street cut through stables of Mazarin. It connected the Hôtel Colbert to Rue de Richelieu. Initially a dead end, it was named Rue Neuve Mazarin. This paid tribute to Mazarin. Later, it became Rue de l’Arcade Colbert. This name came from the arcade it passed under. The arcade supported the grand gallery of the Hôtel de Nevers. Colbert sought permission from the Duke de Nevers to pass under his hôtel. The Duke was another heir of Mazarin.
Consider the changes over time. The avenue was widened in 1826. The arcade was removed starting in 1868. Today, a fragment remains visible on the right wall of the west side. Picture Paris during World War I. On September 1, 1914, a German aerial raid bombed Rue Colbert.
Notice the buildings that line Rue Colbert. Number 3 marks an entrance to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. The Richelieu site of the BNF occupies the entire odd-numbered side of the street. At number 6, you will find the Fontaine Colbert. It is listed as a historical monument. Hôtel de Nevers stands at number 12.
Now, let’s talk about Passage Colbert. This is near Rue Colbert. It is named after the same Jean-Baptiste Colbert. It was built in 1828 by MM Adam and company. The Passage Colbert begins at 6 Rue des Petits-Champs. It ends at the Galerie Colbert.
Consider the Galerie Colbert, not far from here. It offers a glimpse into Parisian architectural history. Constructed in 1826, it occupies the site of the former Hôtel Colbert. Jean Billaud designed it. It was meant to rival the Galerie Vivienne nearby. The Galerie Colbert never achieved the same success. Still, its neoclassical architecture is stunning. Its Pompeian decor is opulent.
The 83-meter-long gallery boasts a rotunda. A glass dome tops it. François Thiollet decorated the interior in the Pompeian style. Despite its elegance, it fell into disuse. In 1974, it was listed as a Monument Historique. Deterioration led to its closure in 1975. The original gallery was demolished in 1983. Louis Blanchet orchestrated its rebirth in 1985. It meticulously preserved the architecture and decor.
Today, the Galerie Colbert is a center for art and culture. It houses prestigious institutions. These include the Institut national d’histoire de l’art and the Institut national du patrimoine. It is open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday. Admission is free.
Lastly, there is Le Grand Colbert. This brasserie takes its name from Louis XIV’s famous minister. It stands in the 2nd arrondissement near the Palais Royal gardens. Originally a townhouse built in 1637, it was sold to Jean-Baptiste Colbert in 1665. In 1828, the Galerie Colbert opened. It competed with the Galerie Vivienne. Under Louis-Philippe’s reign, a store named “Au Grand Colbert” opened. The name remained when it became a restaurant around 1900. In 1985, renovations restored its original details. Today, Le Grand Colbert is listed as a historic monument.
So, as you stand on Avenue Colbert, remember its namesake. He shaped Paris and left a lasting legacy. From its creation to its connections with iconic landmarks, Rue Colbert encapsulates Parisian history.