Art in Motion: Riding the Paris Metro

A rich history and moving look at the accessible, immersive art embedded in the Paris subway system.

Submarine wall decorations, a ceramic declaration of human rights, a stained-glass red hen, a mosaic mouth, a Murano glass aedicule. The walls of the Paris Métro, adorned with works by French and foreign artists, have punctuated the underground travels of Parisians and tourists for over a century. In 1900, architect Hector Guimard created the subway entrances. His art nouveau–style works em...