Paris - Palais de Tokyo, then and now...
 

The glorious days (1937, exposition universelle) :

http://gallica.bnf.fr/image?L=03300071&I=29

... and now (Jan 14, 2007) :

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/25/dscn16473mv.jpg

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1725/dscn16458ys.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/7791/dscn16504po.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6554/dscn16481hx.jpg

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/8440/dscn16518qm.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1584/dscn16538pu.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/9862/dscn16543qn.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/9086/dscn16561ar.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3963/dscn16555rj.jpg

Graffitti? Very modern artistic touch!

What is it used for? Why have they let it be degraded?

is that part of the Trocadero complex? What's going on here?

Grafitti in those hystorical monuments should be several punished with cutting hands off for example. Disappointing seeing that decadence. It is sad:( :( :( Also done in trains, even I think they have some permission from some institution doing that, as it is not so easy and takes time, should be avoided in extreme law and punishment. Only in accordance with community and city some walls very specific chosen should be artistic painted, to bring life to them, not confuse graffitis.

I Agree, grafitti on public or private building or structures of any kind should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. If you own your own building (which most so called grafitti artists do not) then go right ahead it is your right. I personally do not find it artistic at all.