The melting building at 39 Avenue George V, once a captivating masterpiece in Paris, is no longer with us.
Using trompe-l’œil art, the house played with perception and reality, drawing countless admirers with its surreal design.
However, you can’t see this house now because the trompe-l’œil was dismantled.
So, why was such a unique piece of art removed? Join us as we explore the story behind this extraordinary building.
Trompe-l’œil Art
This surreal sight is a remarkable piece of trompe-l’œil art.
Trompe-l’œil, which means “deceive the eye” in French, is an art form that has been used for centuries to create visual illusions, making the two-dimensional appear three-dimensional.
This technique dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, but it gained significant popularity during the Renaissance.
The melting building on Avenue George V is a modern take on this age-old practice.
The Melting Building Of George V
The melting building is situated on 39, Avenue George V in Paris, between the luxurious Four Seasons George V Hotel and the iconic Champs-Élysées.
This striking illusion was created by artist Pierre Delavie in 2007 to cover the facade of a Haussmannian building undergoing restoration.
The artwork, which made the building appear as if it were melting, was achieved by digitally distorting photographs of the building and printing them on large canvases.
These canvases were then mounted over the scaffolding, creating a mesmerizing effect that delighted Parisians and tourists alike.
However, this remarkable artwork was always intended to be temporary, serving as a creative concealment for the renovation work.
Once the restoration was completed, the trompe-l’œil was dismantled.
Was The Trompe-l’oeil of Avenue George V Dismantled?
Yes, the famous trompe-l’œil of Avenue George V, often referred to as the “melting building,” was dismantled.
After the restoration of 39 Avenue Georges V was done.
The famous trompe-l’œil façade, inspired by Salvador Dalí and Antoni Gaudí, was being replaced by a classic Haussmannian façade.
The construction tarpaulin, which had showcased the surrealist design, came down, revealing a traditional Parisian building that blended in with the city.
Most tarpaulins ended up in landfills, but some were recycled.
On January 26, 2009, pieces of the trompe-l’œil tarpaulin from 39 Avenue Georges V were auctioned off for a total of €22,000.
The auction was held at Artcurial in Paris.
