Step into Passage Rauch a charming alley in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. This unassuming passage holds a delightful surprise. Its history stretches back to 1880 when it was officially named. The name Rauch comes from a former landowner. In 1933 the Parisian council decided to classify it as a public thoroughfare. Passage Rauch isn’t just a street it’s a canvas.
Adorning its walls is a vibrant mosaic a menagerie of animals. This 40-meter-long artwork created in 1990 is the work of Leonor Rieti. She specialized in trompe-l’oeil and decorative painting. Imagine a rhino an otary a polar bear a monkey a lion an antelope a dromedary and a black panther. These creatures seem to have escaped their cages. Their images are painted above the grilles.
The columns are topped with the face of a woman. She resembles Artemis the Roman goddess of the hunt. She often wore a braided crown. Despite some damage from time the mosaic retains its freshness. The artist’s website even shows the creation process. This hidden gem showcases art history and urban life intertwining.
So next time you find yourself in Paris’s 11th arrondissement wander down Passage Rauch. Discover this unexpected menagerie. Appreciate its unique blend of history and art. Let the vibrant mosaic surprise and delight you. Remember Passage Rauch a hidden Parisian treasure.