We walk past them without even noticing. And yet, Paris is truly an open-air museum: just look at the modern and contemporary sculptures scattered throughout the City of Light. Since museum visits can put a dent in your budget — and since you might still have a few left to spot — we’ve put together a selection of monumental contemporary artworks to admire outdoors, for a trail worthy of the capital’s finest exhibitions. Let’s go!
At the Jardin des Tuileries
Famous for conceptualizing and spreading art brut (think instinctive creations by children or individuals with mental disorders), Jean Dubuffet broke away from classical art conventions confined to elitist museums. With his series L’Hourloupe, he took his work everywhere — even into public space. At the Jardin des Tuileries, you’ll find his sculpture Le Bel Costumé, a humanoid figure that looks like it stepped out of a child’s drawing. Awkwardly shaped, XXL-sized, and covered in primary colors outlined in bold black lines, its whimsical appearance definitely doesn’t go unnoticed.
Where to find it? In the 1st arrondissement, inside the Jardin des Tuileries, near the Jeu de Paume, a nod to the first museum that dedicated an exhibition to the artist.
In the Abbesses district
A landmark for true romantics, Le Mur des je t’aime displays the famous phrase we either hesitate to say or repeat endlessly — translated into more than 311 languages. A giant love declaration by Frédéric Baron, ceramic artist Claire Kito, and Daniel Boulogne, this artwork, which attracts millions of visitors each year, is as universal as the feeling it represents. A cute story to pull out next time you visit: among all the languages on the wall, one “Je t’aime” comes from a language invented by a couple in love… Adorable!
Where to find it? For a sweet story or a declaration to your beloved, head to Square Jehan Rictus, at 14 Place des Abbesses, in the 18th arrondissement.
On the Left Bank
Inaugurated posthumously thanks to his wife and creative partner Xu Min, La Danse de la Fontaine émergente is one of the final works by French-Chinese artist Chen Zhen. And it certainly sparks curiosity… This sculpture is actually a mythical fountain, a dragon implied through three distinct parts, installed on the site of a former water pumping station on the Seine. Water flows through the three steel sections of the beast that pierce through the Parisian ground. The first, opaque part emerges from the wall of the underground water plant, while the other two allow viewers to see the water flowing. In short, it’s stunning.
Where to find it? The dragon rests at Place Augusta-Holmes, on Rue Paul-Klee, in the new Seine Rive Gauche neighborhood of the 13th arrondissement.
Toward La Défense
A true arty expedition, the La Défense district is home to over sixty artworks and has featured major names and monumental projects since the first skyscrapers emerged. Modern and contemporary art reign supreme here, especially the piece Deux Personnages Fantastiques by Spanish artist Joan Miró. Standing 12 meters tall, these sculptures look like fantastical creatures from a child's dream — absolutely unmissable. Art lovers can extend their walk through the area and check out Le Pouce by César, no smaller than Miró’s piece.
Where to find it? On the Parvis de La Défense, opposite Westfield, Parvis de l'Arche, in Puteaux, 92800.
Near Beaubourg
While the Centre Pompidou is gradually closing for renovations, the Fontaine Stravinsky, just steps away, was brought back to life after its 2023 restoration. The urban work of the contemporary art world’s most iconic couple once again fascinates passersby: Jean Tinguely’s machines bring to life the sculptures of his beloved Niki de Saint Phalle. Fans can also check out the Grand Palais, which currently hosts an exhibit dedicated to the duo! Just across the way, legendary street artists have made their mark — including pioneer Jef Aérosol, who added his self-portrait Chuuuttt !!! there. Iconic, no doubt.
Where to find it? Reigning over Place Igor Stravinsky, in the 4th arrondissement.
Near the Petit Palais
It’s impossible to miss the monumental bouquet of flowers gifted by American artist Jeff Koons to Paris — a tribute to the victims of the 2015 and 2016 attacks, initiated by a donation proposal from Jane Hartley, former U.S. ambassador to France. The missing 12th flower in this bouquet of 11 tulips symbolizes loss, while the flashy colors evoke hope and optimism. Highly controversial, the symbolic image of these tulips, held out by a hand inspired by the Statue of Liberty, has sparked much debate. But their impressive size and colorful design make it a must for your Insta story.
Where to find it? Easily spotted in the Jardins des Champs‑Élysées, just behind the Petit Palais, in the 8th arrondissement.
At the Forum des Halles
“Listening to underground murmurs, like a pebble, this sculpture is stranded by the tide of an imaginary sea on the shores of time”: thus wrote sculptor Henri de Miller about Écoute, the poetic giant head nestled between the spiritual past of Saint-Eustache Church and the urban modernity of the Forum des Halles. Directly inspired by ancient sculpture, with hints of Brancusi, this floating face — suspended between tradition and modernity — questions our relationship with urban life and its surroundings. Though made of solid material, it seems to float, inviting a moment of meditation… much needed after a long walk around the city.
Where to find it? During a stroll through Les Halles, on Place René Cassin, in the 1st arrondissement.
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