Avenue Henri Dunant

“A hospital named after a businessman? Unusual, wouldn’t you say?” Avenue Henri Dunant isn’t your typical Parisian avenue. It’s not lined with chic boutiques or bustling cafes. Instead, it leads to a place of healing and history, the Hôpital Henry-Dunant. This hospital, tucked away in the 16th arrondissement, bears the name of a remarkable Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, the very founder of the Red Cross. The original hospital building, constructed back in 1895, belonged to the Association des Dames Françaises. This organization, founded by Dr. Duchaussoy in 1879, not only provided medical care but also housed a training school for ambulance drivers and nurses. These brave individuals played a crucial role during wartime, providing essential medical assistance. The hospital stands on Rue Michel-Ange, though its address has shifted slightly over the years. Initially located at number 93, it now resides at number 95. A fascinating relic of its past, a 1903 photograph, can be found in Jacques Hillairet’s “Dictionnaire historique des rues de Paris”. This photo reveals the original long, narrow structure, likely encompassing both number 93 and 95 at the time. Today, the site boasts a modern hospital complex, still under the Red Cross’s care, while number 93 has been replaced by a contemporary residential building. The present-day Hôpital Henry-Dunant specializes in geriatrics, offering 158 beds. It’s equipped with a radiology department and a day hospital. This quiet avenue witnessed a tragic event on April 12, 2021, when a shooting occurred just outside the hospital, resulting in one death and one injury. The perpetrator fled the scene, a stark reminder that even places of healing are not immune to the world’s harsh realities. The avenue, however, remains a testament to Henry Dunant’s enduring legacy. A man who dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, his name echoes through this tranquil corner of Paris.