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The colossal dome, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, dominates the space. Majestic Corinthian columns and intricate friezes add that extra charm. The vast interior is bathed in natural light from windows in the dome.
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Contents
What to see inside the Panthéon
The grand Neoclassical interior
Book tickets to the Panthéon
The Crypt of the Panthéon
Beneath the grandeur of the Panthéon in Paris, the crypt is a sacred and solemn space that serves as the final resting place for some of France’s greatest figures. Walking through its arched corridors is like stepping into a living history book, where philosophers, writers, scientists, and political leaders are honored for their contributions to the nation.
Entering the crypt: A descent into history
To access the crypt, visitors descend a stone staircase into a dimly lit space where rows of vaulted chambers stretch out in all directions. The silence is striking, creating an atmosphere of reverence. The cool air and stone walls enhance the sense of being in a place where time stands still, offering a stark contrast to the grandeur of the upper hall.
At the entrance, an inscription reads "Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante" ("To great men, the grateful homeland"), a powerful reminder that those buried here have shaped the nation’s intellectual, artistic, and political identity.
The founding philosophers: Voltaire & Rousseau
Two of the earliest and most famous figures interred in the crypt are Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, both towering figures of the Enlightenment. Their tombs lie on opposite sides of the crypt, a symbolic reminder of their philosophical differences.
- Voltaire (1694–1778): Known for his advocacy of freedom of speech, reason, and criticism of religious dogma, Voltaire’s tomb is elaborately carved with symbols of knowledge and enlightenment. A statue of him stands nearby, forever watching over visitors.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778): Rousseau, whose writings inspired democracy and social contract theory, rests in a simple yet elegant tomb. His body was moved here during the French Revolution, reflecting his lasting impact on political thought and human rights.
Their presence in the crypt highlights France’s revolutionary ideals—freedom, reason, and democracy.
The literary giants: Victor Hugo, Émile Zola & Alexandre Dumas
The Panthéon crypt is also home to three of France’s greatest literary icons:
- Victor Hugo (1802–1885): Author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Hugo’s funeral procession in 1885 drew thousands to the streets of Paris. His tomb is one of the most visited in the crypt, symbolizing his role as a voice for social justice, democracy, and the people.
- Émile Zola (1840–1902): A pioneer of naturalism and a passionate advocate for truth, Zola was crucial in exposing injustice during the Dreyfus Affair. His works, including Germinal, remain cornerstones of French literature.
- Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870): The beloved author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, Dumas was reinterred in the Panthéon in 2002. His induction was a recognition of his immense literary influence and his ability to capture adventure, courage, and resilience in his stories.
Standing before their tombs, visitors feel the weight of France’s literary legacy and its role in shaping modern thought.
A trailblazer in science: Marie Curie
Among the notable scientists buried in the crypt, one name stands out—Marie Curie (1867–1934). She was the first woman to be interred in the Panthéon on her own merits, breaking barriers in both science and gender equality.
- Curie, a two-time Nobel Prize winner, is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity, which led to advances in medicine and physics.
- Her tomb, lined with lead due to radiation concerns, is a testament to both her discoveries and the risks she took for scientific progress.
- Her husband, Pierre Curie, rests beside her, highlighting their partnership in pioneering research.
Her presence in the crypt is a symbol of intellectual brilliance and perseverance, inspiring future generations.
The voice of resistance: Josephine Baker
One of the most recent additions to the Panthéon, Josephine Baker (1906–1975), was inducted in 2021, becoming the first Black woman to receive this honor.
- Baker was not only a renowned dancer, singer, and actress but also a courageous member of the French Resistance during World War II.
- She used her celebrity status to smuggle intelligence for the Allies and later became a civil rights activist.
- Her induction reflects France’s growing recognition of diversity, inclusion, and the fight for justice.
Her legacy makes the crypt not just a place of history, but a living testament to France’s evolving ideals.
The Resting Place of Revolutionary Leaders
The crypt also holds the remains of several key political and revolutionary figures, including:
- Jean Moulin (1899–1943) – A hero of the French Resistance during World War II.
- Léon Gambetta (1838–1882) – A major figure in the establishment of the French Republic.
- Félix Éboué (1884–1944) – One of the first Black leaders to be honored, a governor who supported de Gaulle and Free France during WWII.
These figures remind visitors that France’s struggles for democracy and freedom are woven into the nation’s identity.
Foucault’s Pendulum at the Panthéon in Paris
One of the most fascinating scientific exhibits inside the Panthéon in Paris is Foucault’s Pendulum, a device that visually demonstrates the rotation of the Earth. Standing beneath Foucault’s Pendulum, visitors can experience a tangible connection between science and the universe, watching as the Earth’s invisible motion is revealed in real time. It remains a testament to human curiosity and discovery, making it one of the most unique features of the Panthéon.
The history of the Pendulum
In 1851, French physicist Léon Foucault conducted an experiment inside the Panthéon to prove that the Earth rotates on its axis. He suspended a 28-kilogram (62-pound) brass sphere from a 67-meter (220-foot) long wire attached to the Panthéon’s dome. As the pendulum swung back and forth, it slowly changed direction—not because the pendulum itself was moving, but because the Earth was rotating beneath it. This simple yet groundbreaking experiment provided one of the first direct proofs of Earth’s rotation, revolutionizing science at the time.
How it works
The pendulum swings in a fixed plane due to inertia. As the Earth rotates, the floor beneath it moves, making it appear as though the pendulum’s path is shifting. In Paris, it takes about 32 hours for the pendulum’s plane to complete a full rotation. The rate of this shift changes depending on latitude, aligning perfectly with mathematical predictions.
The Pendulum Today
Though the original experiment was removed, a replica was installed in 1995 and remains one of the most famous attractions in the Panthéon. It hangs from the dome, mesmerizing visitors as they witness a scientific principle in action.
Why it matters
Foucault’s Pendulum is more than just a scientific demonstration—it symbolizes the union of science and history within the Panthéon. Originally a church, the Panthéon became a secular monument dedicated to knowledge, progress, and national pride, making it the perfect setting for such an experiment.
Architecture of the Panthéon
The architecture of the Panthéon in Paris is a stunning blend of neoclassical and Gothic influences, reflecting both its religious origins and later secular transformation. Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in the 18th century, the structure was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, featuring a grand façade with Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment, a triangular gable that forms the end of a roof slope above a portico or doorway.
Its most striking feature is the massive dome, composed of three layers that provide both structural stability and aesthetic grandeur. Inside, the vast nave is adorned with high vaulted ceilings, intricate frescoes, and detailed sculptural reliefs, many depicting scenes from French history and the life of Saint Geneviève.
The crypt beneath the Panthéon houses the remains of France’s most distinguished figures, while the dome’s observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, including Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and more.
Frequently asked questions about the inside of the Panthéon
Who decided who would be buried in the Panthéon?
The decision to bury someone in the Panthéon is made by the French government.
What is the significance of the Panthéon’s Dome?
The dome of the Panthéon is structurally innovative—it was one of the first to have a double shell design. The upper dome is visible from the outside, while the inner dome supports it, creating a lighter structure.
Is the Panthéon aligned with the stars?
Yes, the Panthéon’s alignment with the cosmos is deliberate. The building was designed with astronomical principles in mind, and it’s been suggested that the dome's shape and placement align with celestial bodies in certain ways. The Panthéon also serves as an astronomical observatory during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
How are the tombs arranged inside the Panthéon?
The tombs in Panthéon’s crypt are arranged in a circular pattern with the most significant figures situated around the perimeter. This symbolic arrangement reflects the circle of French history. Some tombs are more elaborate than others, such as Victor Hugo’s or Jean Moulin’s, which have monumental statues or plaques to honor their contributions.
Can you visit the Panthéon’s dome?
Yes, visitors can climb to the top of the Panthéon (276 steps) for a panoramic view of Paris. From the top, you can see major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre. The climb also offers a closer look at the dome's architectural details.