Consecrated by the Republic to the glory of French fine arts, the Grand Palais is a cultural and heritage site in a class of its own, not only for the exhibitions and events it hosts but also for its remarkable architecture, which combines classicism and modernity. Its monumental 240-metre long nave is the symbol of the Grand Palais. The largest nave in Europe at the time of its construction, with a surface area of 44,291 sq. ft. (13,500 m²), it is crowned by a 57,414 sq. ft. (17,500 m²) glass roof. This 45-metre high glass vault required 9,057 tonnes of steel for its construction. The nave was listed as a historic monument in 1975.