One of the most charming and romantic métro stations in Paris is the poetically named « Le Kiosque des Noctambules » (The Night Owls Stand). It was designed by the French sculptor, Jean-Michel Othoniel, and was commissioned by the RATP in the year 2000 to mark the centenary celebrations of the construction of the Paris métro. It was meant as a tribute to Hector Guimard, the Art Nouveau architect who designed the entrances to the first metro stations in Paris.
The enchanting structure consists of 2 domes made of strings of giant Murano glass beads resting on 6 pillars made of aluminium spheres. The beads of the dome on the entrance side of the métro are in warm hues of red and yellow, representing the sun or day.
The glass beads of the dome on the other side are in cooler shades of blue, purple and silver representing the moon or night.
A lattice-work of aluminium mesh surrounds the lower part of the structure.
On the opposite side to the entrance, there is a little aluminium bench where passers by can rest awhile.
Click on the link to see a video of the blowing of the glass beads and the assembly and installation of the structur. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1iYIse6EWA
