Paris, France —One of the more memorable events held during Art Basel Paris which took place during the Paris art week devoted essentially to contemporary art were the monumental outdoor sculptures found in hidden and not so hidden outdoor spaces in the French capital. This year the Centre des monuments nationaux whose acronym is CMN (France’s National Monument Center) participated in the Art Basel Paris Public program for the very first time and the result was nothing less than aesthetically spectacular. Tucked away in the gardens of the CMN’s headquarters in a Parisian manor house, the Hôtel de Sully, the sculptures of Lynn Chadwick came into view in this wonderful green space nestled between the Place des Vosges and the rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. Other participating venues of the CMN were the monumental Hôtel de la Marine on the Place de la Concorde and the Domaine national du Palais Royal. And the good news is that the show goes on in two of the venues. And with free admission.

Curated by the art historian Matthieu Poirier, the Hôtel de Sully show is entitled Hypercycle which is slated to be played out over three continents from 2024 to 2026 in three chapters retracing a part of the career of the exhibited artist. Chapter I — Scalène — is currently unfolding in the courtyard and gardens of the Hôtel de Sully until November 16th where eight sculptures by Lynn Chadwick, one of the leading figures in sculpture of the 20th century, are on display. His 20th century works, noted Mr. Poirier, echoed perfectly with the 17th century architecture of the Hôtel de Sully. The show is being held in tandem with an exhibition of some 60 masterpieces by the British artist on display at the Galerie Perrotin Paris.

Meanwhile the work entitled Aeolian by the Greek artist Takis is being presented by the White Cube gallery in the spectacular courtyard of the Hotel de la Marine. The sculpture draws its inspiration from the Aeolian harp, a musical instrument that is played by the wind. The artist evokes these instruments with a steel pylon outfitted with two half-spheres that turn when the wind blows. This work will be visible until November 5th.

Although no longer visible the Domaine national du Palais-Royal which is a national estate, presented a selection of seven artists from leading galeries representing the periods from Surrealism to New Realism including the famous thumb by the French artist César. However The Palais Royal with its scenic gardens and Daniel Buren’s Colonnes sculptures is worthy of a visit in and of itself. As are the Hôtel de Sully and the Hôtel de la Marine.

The Centre des monuments nationaux (CMN) is a public institution that preserves, manages and opens to visitors more than 100 monuments, ranging from prehistoric times to the 20th century, 19 of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette https://www.monuments-nationaux.fr/en