The Paris Catacombs’ Dark Delight: A Labyrinth of Ossuaries
A Macabre Attraction with a Clever Logo Design
The Paris Catacombs are the City of Light’s darkest tourist attraction: labyrinthine tunnels that house the remains of six million people, which were carted from overflowing cemeteries in the late 18th century. With such a macabre history, you might not expect the enormous complex of ossuaries to have fun branding, but designers are still swooning over how cute the catacombs logo design is thanks to its brilliant example of negative space in design.
A Skull-tastic Logo Design
The logo, designed by Mo-To in 2019, is a big letter ‘C’, but peer into the negative space within and turn your head to the side, and the shape also resembles a human skull, the perfect emblem for a macabre attraction. Even more cleverly, the triangle nose positioned between the gap in the counter of the C appears to form an entrance indicator, inviting visitors to venture into the depths of the city if they dare.
A Symbol of Life and Death
The typography of the logo also acts as an analogy for the human body, symbolizing "a transition from life to death." Mo-To stated that the various categories of weights and styles found in the lettering pay homage to the ossuary. This unique design approach has sparked a mix of emotions, with some finding it too playful or disrespectful, while others appreciate its creative take on the macabre theme.
Conclusion
The Paris Catacombs’ logo design is a testament to the power of negative space and creative thinking. It’s a clever example of how a design can be both functional and thought-provoking, making it a great addition to the world of logo design.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Paris Catacombs’ logo design?
A: The logo design is a big letter ‘C’ with a skull-like shape in the negative space, symbolizing the transition from life to death.
Q: Who designed the Paris Catacombs’ logo?
A: The logo was designed by Mo-To in 2019.
Q: What is the significance of the triangle nose in the logo?
A: The triangle nose appears to form an entrance indicator, inviting visitors to venture into the depths of the city if they dare.
Q: How does the logo design relate to the Paris Catacombs’ history?
A: The typography of the logo acts as an analogy for the human body, symbolizing "a transition from life to death," paying homage to the ossuary.
