The Pont des Arts or Passerelle des Arts is a pedestrian bridge in Paris which crosses the River Seine. It links the Institut de France and the central square of the Palais du Louvre,.
Pont des Arts
Pont des Arts Love locks
Love locks on the bridge, view on the Louvre side
Image: Paris, Pont des Arts by Neurdein, c 1885 90
The Institut de France is a French learned society, grouping five académies, including the Académie Française. It was established in 1795 at the direction of the National Convention. Located on the Quai de Conti in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the institute manages approximately 1,000 foundations, as well as museums and châteaux open for visit. It also awards prizes and subsidies, which amounted to a total of over €27 million per year in 2017. Most of these prizes are awarded by the institute on the recommendation of the académies.
The Institut de France and Pont des Arts on the Seine
Esplanade in front of the institute, 1898