Fontaine de la Porte Dorée

The Fontaine de la Porte Dorée is a bronze fountain with cascading basins arranged in tiers around a central statue of Athena. The water features flow from basin to basin, creating a layered composition that dominates the square.

This fountain was built between 1931 and 1935 to mark the International Colonial Exhibition held in Paris. It represents the artistic vision of that era and remains a monument tied to that specific moment in time.

The square is named after veterans of the Indochina conflict and connects French colonial history with how people think about the past today. Visitors and locals use the space mainly as a green passage between the busy avenues.

The fountain is located at Place Edouard-Renard where several major streets meet, in the area near Bois de Vincennes. You can approach it easily from the surrounding sidewalks and view the entire installation from different angles.

The statue of Athena wears a Gallic helmet instead of a Greek one, blending classical mythology with French symbolism in an unexpected way. This detail often goes unnoticed at first glance but reveals the artist's intent to merge two cultural traditions.

Location: 12th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1935

Architects: Louis Madeline

Creator: Léon-Ernest Drivier, Louis Madeline

Subject: Athena, Nike, spear, shield, snake, celtic helmet, woman

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 48.83528,2.40729

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:34