Le Passe-Muraille in Rue Norvins
Le Passe-Muraille – The Man Who Could Walk Through Walls is a life-size bronze sculpture depicting a man emerging halfway through a wall.
This sculpture is located in a small parking lot on Rue Norvins in Montmartre. It was created in 1989 by the talented actor and sculptor Jean Marais as a tribute to Marcel Aymé, the renowned French novelist, screenwriter, and playwright.
Mr Dutilleul, the main character in Aymé’s novel Le Passe-Muraille, leads the modest life of an office worker in a dimly lit government building. However, Dutilleul’s life changed overnight when he discovered an extraordinary gift: the ability to pass through walls effortlessly!
He became Le Passe-Muraille, the Man Who Could Walk Through Walls! Emboldened by his newfound gift, Dutilleul decides to take revenge on his colleagues and superiors who wronged him at work.
Nothing stops him, and he exploits his extraordinary talent until his gift turns against him, leaving him trapped within a stone wall, his body split between two worlds. Only his head, right arm, left leg, and left hand emerge from the stone. Karma, in a way!
Marcel Aymé, the author of Le Passe-Muraille
Marcel Aymé was one of the most acclaimed authors of his time.
Although he was born in the town of Joigny, in the Bourgogne, he lived for most of his life on Rue Norvins in Montmartre.
It was thus only fitting to place the sculpture of Le Passe-Muraille on the wall of the parking lot that now stands on the site of his former home on Rue Norvins.
Not only did Marcel Aymé become a resident of the neighbourhood, but he is also buried in the small Saint Vincent cemetery, located round the corner from the sculpture.
Take the opportunity to stroll along the picturesque streets of the old village of Montmartre; you will discover walled gardens and country houses, the very places where Aymé undoubtedly found inspiration for his novels.
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
