Le Passe-Muraille in Rue Norvins
Le Passe-Muraille, or “The Man Who Walks Through Walls,” stands as a large bronze sculpture, capturing the essence of a man seemingly ensnared halfway within a stone barrier. Nestled within a secluded car park on rue Norvins in Montmartre, this remarkable artwork was brought to life by the talented French actor and sculptor Jean Marais in 1989.
Marais crafted this sculpture as a homage to Marcel Aymé, the beloved French novelist, screenwriter, and playwright.
Within Aymé’s narrative, the central character, Mr. Dutilleul, also known as Le Passe-Muraille, leads a modest existence as a clerk toiling away in a dimly lit government office.
However, Dutilleul’s life takes an extraordinary turn when he uncovers a remarkable ability: the power to pass effortlessly through solid walls!
Empowered by this newfound gift, Dutilleul embarks on a quest for retribution against the colleagues and superiors who have wronged him in his mundane workplace.
Undeterred by barriers, he exploits his extraordinary talent until fate intervenes, leaving him suspended within a stone wall, his body divided between two realms. With only his head, right arm, left leg, and left hand protruding from the stone, the sculpture symbolizes the profound repercussions of his once-extraordinary ability.
Marcel Aymé, the author of Le Passe-Muraille
Marcel Aymé’s ties to Paris are noteworthy, despite not being a native of the city.
He indeed spent the majority of his life dwelling on rue Norvins, with Montmartre providing the scenic backdrop for many of his literary works.
The placement of the Le Passe-Muraille statue in front of his former abode serves as a poignant tribute to his enduring literary legacy.
For those seeking to delve deeper into Aymé’s world, a visit to his final resting place at the quaint St Vincent cemetery is a must.
Exploring Le Passe-Muraille sculpture will lead you on a captivating journey away from the bustling crowds of Place du Tertre. Instead, you’ll meander through the enchanting gardens, quaint country houses, and tranquil alleyways of Montmartre’s picturesque village, immersing yourself in the charm that inspired Aymé’s imagination.
Directions: 18th District – Rue Norvins
Metro: Abbesses on Line 12
Coordinates: Lat 48.887497 – Long 2.337990
Discover more on Montmartre
Montmartre Village Place du Tertre – Petit Cimetiere du Calvaire – Saint-Pierre-de-Montmartre Church – Saint-Jean-de-Montmartre Church – Sacre-Coeur Basilica – Montmartre Abbey Sanctum Martyrium Crypt – Montmartre Cemetery – Saint-Vincent Cemetery – Le Mur des Je t’Aime – Abbesses Art Nouveau Metro station – Moulin Rouge – Bateau Lavoir – Montmartre grape harvest festival
