Where is the Stravinsky Fountain?
The Stravinsky Fountain is among the most photographed Parisian fountains, but it is also one of the city’s most controversial works of art.
Located in Place Igor Stravinsky, in the historic Quartier Beaubourg (district), this unique fountain blends seamlessly into the contemporary style of the Centre Pompidou, Les Halles and the Quartier de l’Horloge, which were all rehabilitated in the 1970s.
Inaugurated on March 16, 1983, the Stravinsky Fountain attracted attention not only for its avant-garde design but also for the controversy it sparked.
A significant portion of its funding indeed came from the budget allocated to the construction of the neighbouring Centre Pompidou, to which three patrons, the Société Lyonnaise des Eaux, the Scaler Foundation and the Swiss State, contributed.
However, the City of Paris is responsible for its maintenance.
A tribute to Igor Stravinsky
As its name implies, the Stravinsky Fountain pays homage to the musical legacy of Igor Stravinsky, the 20th-century Russian composer known for his innovative and unconventional compositions.
This fountain is not a single structure, but a collection of sixteen smaller fountains, nestled in a shallow basin 33 metres long and 17 metres wide.
The Swiss artist Jean Tinguely and his wife, Niki de Saint Phalle, collaborated in creating these fountains, which each emitting sounds that echo the melodies and rhythms of Stravinsky’s compositions.
Tinguely and Saint Phalle were both influential figures in the art world. Saint Phalle was particularly recognised for her bold and vibrant use of primary colours, a characteristic that sometimes earned her criticism for being considered exuberant.
By mutual agreement, it was decided that Niki de Saint Phalle would create five of the fountains, while her husband would design the others.
These sculptures, made of resin and metal, display a vibrant colour palette: some in bright hues, others in black and white. All the sculptures are mechanised and animated by water jets, which create a dynamic spectacle of movement and sound.
The Stravinsky Fountain is also known as the Fontaine des Automates (Fountain of Automata).
The 16 musical fountains
L’oiseau de Feu – The Firebird
La Clef de Sol – The Musical Key of G
La Spirale – The Spiral
L’Elephant – Circus Polka: For a Young Elephant
Renard – The Fox
Le Serpent – The Snake
La Grenouille – The Frog
La Diagonale – The Diagonal
La Mort – Death
La Sirène – The Mermaid
Le Rossignol – The Nightingale
L’Amour – Love
La Vie – Life
Le Coeur – The Heart
Le Chapeau de Clown – The Clown’s Hat, Ragtime
Controversial Art
Like so many contemporary and unconventional works of art, the Stravinsky Fountain sparked controversy when it was unveiled, a controversy that continues to this day!
Children are naturally attracted to its bright colours and fun water features, while others feel a strong aversion to it.
However, its presence never fails to provoke a reaction in those who discover it. This might be the intended goal: to lead people to reflect on the evolution of art?
Another work of art, a huge mural entitled Chuuuttt! Ssshhh!, which adorns the gable end of an adjacent building overlooks the Place Stravinsky (Square).
These two contemporary works of art embody the creative dynamism that characterises the Quartier Beaubourg (district).
Directions: 4th District
Metro: Hôtel-de-Ville on Lines 11/1 or Rambuteau on Line 11
Coordinates Stravinsky Fountain: Lat 48.859462 – Long 2.351536
