Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart
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Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart with his design for the Paris Bourse (1808)
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| Born | 15 February 1739 |
| Died | 6 June 1813 (aged 74) Paris, French Empire
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| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) |
Anne-Louise d'Egremont
(m. 1796) |
| Children | Alexandrine-Emilie Brongniart Alexandre Brongniart |
Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart (born February 15, 1739 – died June 6, 1813) was a famous French architect. He designed many important buildings in Paris, France. His most well-known work is the Paris Bourse, which is also called the Palais Brongniart.
Contents
A Famous French Architect
Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart was born in Paris, France. He was a well-known person in Parisian society. In 1767, he married Anne-Louise d'Egremont.
The couple became friends with Marie Louise Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun. She was a royal portrait painter. Vigée-Lebrun painted a portrait of their daughter, Alexandrine-Emilie Brongniart. This painting is now in the National Gallery in London.
Brongniart was also a close friend of Jean Antoine Houdon. Houdon was a leading French sculptor. He made sculptures of Brongniart's daughter, Alexandrine-Emilie. He also sculpted Brongniart's son, Alexandre Jr.. These sculptures are now in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Designing Important Buildings
Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart designed many grand buildings. He created plans for fancy hotels, like the Hôtel de Bourbon-Condé. He also designed many private homes for wealthy people.
In 1781, he became a member of the Académie Royale d'Architecture. This was a very important group for architects. The next year, he became the main architect for the Ecole Militaire. This was a famous military school.
The Père Lachaise Cemetery
In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte asked Brongniart to design something special. Napoleon wanted him to create the layout for the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery. This cemetery is a large and beautiful place. Many famous people are buried there.
Napoleon was very happy with Brongniart's work. Because of this, he gave Brongniart another big job.
The Paris Bourse (Palais Brongniart)
In 1807, Napoleon chose Brongniart to design the Paris Bourse. This building was for the Parisian stock exchange. A stock exchange is a place where people buy and sell parts of companies.
Brongniart completed all the designs for this important building. Sadly, it was his last project. He passed away in 1813 and did not see it finished. The building was completed in 1825. It was built in a classical Greek style.
The building was named "Palais Brongniart" to honor him. It is still used today. Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart died in Paris in 1813. He was buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery, which he had designed.
Brongniart's Talented Family
Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart's son, Alexandre, also became very successful. He was a respected geologist. Geologists study the Earth's rocks and history. Alexandre also directed the famous Sèvres porcelain factory. This factory made beautiful pottery.
Alexandre's son, Adolphe Theodore Brongniart, became a famous botanist. Botanists study plants. He is known as the father of paleobotany. This is the study of ancient plants from fossils. He even received the Wollaston Medal for his scientific work.
Images for kids
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Church of Romainville, designed by Brongniart
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The Palais Brongniart, also known as the Paris Bourse
See also
In Spanish: Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart para niños
