Alternative Paris: Unique Public Art & Sculptures in Paris
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In Paris, outdoor public art and sculptures are prominently displayed throughout the city's parks, squares, and streets. These artworks, both historical and modern, contribute to the city's cultural landscape and offer visitors a visual representation of its artistic heritage. Tourists and locals alike can easily access and appreciate these pieces, making them integral to the Parisian experience.
Interesting Art in Paris: (Jump To)
This post is part of our Alternative Paris Series, your go-to source for discovering off-the-beaten-path Parisian experiences.
Les Enfants du Monde (Children of the World)
A thoughtful stop for art in Paris, these bronze figures celebrate global childhood and make an easy add to self-guided walking tours in Paris. If you’re curating non-touristy things to do in Paris beyond art galleries in Paris, this quiet, photo-ready spot fits the brief.
Map: Google Maps
Found in the 19th arrondissement, this series of bronze sculptures depicts children from around the world, celebrating global unity. Created by Rachid Khimoune, the installation draws attention to diversity and interconnectedness. Situated in Parc de Belleville, it's a reflective space amidst the panoramic views of the city.
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La Danse de la Fontaine Emergente
Chen Zhen’s glass-and-steel dragon ripples through the plaza with water flowing inside—a striking piece of contemporary art in Paris. It’s a quick, alternative thing to do in Paris that pairs well with unique things to see in Paris on the Left Bank.
Map: Google Maps
Located on Place Augusta-Holmes, this sculpture depicts a dragon emerging from the ground with water streaming from its mouth. This piece, designed by Chen Zhen, is not only visually compelling but also symbolizes the fusion of urban landscape with mythological imagery.
L'Écoute
Henri de Miller’s oversized head and hand near Les Halles invite you to pause and “listen” to the city—public art in Paris you can’t miss between errands and meals. Add it to your self-guided walking tours in Paris for a fast, non-touristy moment that still feels memorable.
Map: Google Maps
Henri de Miller's L'Écoute is an impressive head-and-hand sculpture located outside the Church of Saint-Eustache near Les Halles. The title, which translates to "Listening," is apt, as the sculpture shows a man with a hand cupped to his ear, inviting viewers to take a moment and listen to the city's heartbeat.
Les Frigos (The Refrigerators)
This former warehouse turned artist complex is a living canvas that changes with every visit—great for catching raw, outdoor art in Paris without the crowds. Swing by for photos and check off another unique thing to do in Paris while exploring the 13th.
Map: Google Maps
This former refrigerated warehouse in the 13th arrondissement has become an ever-evolving canvas for street artists. Now a hub for artists' studios, its exterior is adorned with graffiti, murals, and other art forms. It's a living canvas for Paris' vibrant street art culture.
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Bateau-Lavoir
A quick stop at Montmartre’s Bateau-Lavoir connects you to famous art in Paris—think Picasso and Modigliani—without stepping into a museum. It’s a smart add to non-touristy things to do in Paris around Place du Tertre when you want history in two minutes flat.
Map: Google Maps
Once a haven for artists like Picasso and Modigliani, this building in Montmartre retains its bohemian spirit. While not strictly a sculpture, its historical significance and the numerous plaques and artworks around it pay homage to its contribution to modern art.
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Les Deux Plateaux (The Two Platforms)
Daniel Buren’s black-and-white columns in the Palais Royal courtyard deliver bold, contemporary art in Paris framed by 17th-century arcades. If you want unique things to see in Paris near the Louvre, this free, photo-friendly stop is ideal.
Map: Google Maps
More commonly known as the Colonnes de Buren, this art installation in the Palais Royal courtyard features striped columns of varying heights. Created by Daniel Buren in the 1980s, it's an example of how contemporary art can starkly contrast yet complement historical surroundings.
Le Pouce (The Thumb)
César’s giant thumb in La Défense is quirky, bold, and perfect for quick photos—exactly the kind of unique thing to do in Paris that keeps your camera busy. Pair it with skyline views for an easy win on a self-guided walking tour in Paris’s modern district.
Map: Google Maps
A giant sculpture of a thumb, created by César Baldaccini, can be found in La Défense. Standing at 40 feet tall and weighing 18 tons, it's a whimsical addition to the business district, offering a quirky photo opportunity for visitors.
Le Mur des Je t'aime (The I Love You Wall)
Covered with “I love you” in 250 languages, this Montmartre wall is one of the simplest unique things to see in Paris and a fast photo stop. It’s a sweet, non-touristy thing to do in Paris before or after exploring nearby art in Paris around Sacré-Cœur.
Map: Google Maps
While a bit more known, the I Love You Wall in Montmartre remains a beautiful stop. Covered in 311 declarations of love in 250 languages, this artwork by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito reminds visitors of the universal nature of love.
La Fontaine Stravinsky (Stravinsky Fountain)
Next to Centre Pompidou, Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely’s kinetic fountain blends color, motion, and sound into can’t-miss public art in Paris. Stick around for a minute—this is one of the best alternative things to do in Paris after your museum visit.
Map: Google Maps
Adjacent to the Pompidou Centre, this colorful kinetic sculpture fountain is a collaboration between artists Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle. Reflecting Stravinsky's musical works, it's a harmonious blend of motion, color, and sound in the heart of the city.
