The Grand Palais is dedicated to the glory of French art, as the inscription engraved on the pediment of the west wing reminds us. Inside, the grand staircase, with its large dimensions, leads to the VIP lounge, both designed by the architect Albert Louvet. The staircase was manufactured by the Moisant-Laurent-Savey company – which specialised in metal frames – in a rich, baroque Art Nouveau style. The centre of the double-flight metal structure is supported by green porphyry columns. When the building was inaugurated, the elegant iron scrolls were much admired by the public who flocked to see it.