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The Grand Palais is one of the jewels of French ­architectural heritage, and a listed historic monument. A colossal ­construction of steel, glass and stone built to ­vertiginous ­proportions, it originally played host to some of the ­greatest inventions of the 20th century (the ­automobile, the ­aeroplane, domestic science), and has since been the venue for some major contemporary cultural and artistic events.

Built specially for the great Paris Exhibition of 1900, the Grand Palais has at ­various ­times ­hosted: horse races at the turn of the last ­century, the first major automobile and air shows, boxing ­competitions and ­notably ­Marcel Cerdan, the ­Biennale antique fair, ballets ­including the company led by ­Maurice Béjart, a fashion show by ­Chanel and a string of art ­exhibitions such as FIAC, the ­International ­Contemporary Arts Fair and the last concert of Prince.

Forward-looking and youth-orientated, the Grand ­Palais aims to reflect cultural developments in society. So ­skateboarding - its practice, its environment, its artistic and musical ­inspirations in all its forms - is an entirely legitimate theme for the Grand Palais.

For the first time, in late November, the Grand Palais will be dedicated to skateboarders and ­skateboarding.

A huge ramp - the biggest in Europe - will be set up beneath the famous glass ­ceiling of the Grand Palais, which stands a cool 60 metres from the ground at its highest point!

The 16,000 m2 that make up the majestic Nave and Paddock of the Grand Palais will be fitted out to host the skateboarders on an immense street area, open to all.

© Coll Grand Palais - François Tomasi