The bridge bir-Hakeim connecting the Quai Branly and the way Georges Pompidou, looks unusual: it has two floors. On the upper floor of the trains go underground, on the bottom moving cars, cyclists and pedestrians.

The bridge to the metro – so, more or less modern? No, because the Paris metro, one of the oldest in the world, was launched in 1900 for the world exhibition. A new form of transport developed rapidly and required its own infrastructure. In 1902 announced a competition for a new bridge replacement pedestrian Passy.

The bridge was built under the leadership of Louis Beta. Two metal designs, each in three bays, separated by a monumental stone arch, decorated with four statues-allegories – the Science and the work of Jules katana, Electricity and Trade, Jean-Antoine Engelber. The upper level, which is a subway line that lies on a thin delicate columns, illuminated by lamps in the art Deco style. On bridge supports – cast iron sculptural group by Gustave Michel: sailors with a stylized coat of arms of Paris, and the Smiths, riveting shield with a monogram "RF" ("Republic of France").

June 18, 1949, on the anniversary of the proclamation of the Resistance, the bridge was renamed in honor of the defense of bir-Akama. In may-June 1942, the French under the command of General Koenig sixteen days in harsh conditions was defended by a small Fort from the armies of Rommel. This battle in the Libyan desert was a first for forces fighting in France and showed the allies that the French army can contribute to the fight against the Reich.

On one side of the arch in the middle of the bridge – the descent to bulk Swan island, on which stands the Parisian statue of Liberty. Another facility is the equestrian statue of "Resurgent France", created by Danish sculptor Holger Pedercini. Expressive sculpture – girl with a huge sword on horse racing is first portrayed Joan of Arc, and was donated by Denmark to Paris. The city Council felt that Joan is too belligerent, and refused the gift. Brewing an international scandal, but after the intervention of the Danish Embassy was a compromise to call the sculpture "a Resurgent France. Such an option the city Council approved, and in 1958 the statue was erected on the bridge in the presence of the Ambassador of Denmark. On the site where stands the statue is a magnificent view of the Eiffel tower. Jeanne, that is France, as if pointing to it with the sword.