Passage des Princes, Glass-roofed passage in 2nd arrondissement, France.
The Passage des Princes extends between Boulevard des Italiens and Rue de Richelieu, featuring a glass roof supported by metal arches and decorative elements.
Inaugurated in 1860 as Passage Mirès, this covered walkway represents the last example of such structures built during Baron Haussmann's transformation of Paris.
From 1879 to 1883, La Vie Moderne gallery operated at the passage's corner, exhibiting works of Impressionist artists in this commercial space.
The passage underwent complete reconstruction in 1995, maintaining its original architectural elements while improving the layout for modern retail spaces.
A colored glass dome marks the intersection where the passage changes direction, creating a natural light effect throughout the commercial gallery.
Location: 2nd arrondissement of Paris
Location: Quartier Vivienne
Inception: 1860
Length: 80 m
Width: 3 m
Part of: road network of Paris
Shares border with: boulevard des Italiens, rue de Richelieu
GPS coordinates: 48.87150,2.33938
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:43
The covered passages of Paris are major commercial inventions from the early 19th century. Built between 1798 and 1850, these galleries shield pedestrians from weather and street mud with glass and wrought iron roofs. Passages like the Passage des Panoramas, opened in 1799, were pioneers with gas lighting, while Galerie Vivienne (1823) features mosaic floors and neoclassical decorations. The Passage du Grand-Cerf stands out with a height of 12 meters under its glass roof. Today, around thirty passages remain in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th arrondissements. They host various shops: antique bookstores and fashion boutiques at Passage Choiseul, Indian restaurants and spice shops at Passage Brady, fabric vendors at Passage du Caire with Egyptian motifs. Galerie Colbert now houses two art research institutes. These galleries offer insights into a lesser-known part of 19th-century Paris commerce, preserving wooden facades, wrought iron railings, and period signage.
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