The Grand Elephant, Mechanical elephant in Machines of the Isle, Nantes, France
The Grand Elephant is a mechanical sculpture made of steel and wood that moves through Nantes' former shipyards. The structure is powered by a complex system of cylinders that allows it to walk like a real animal.
The machine was created in 2007 as part of a project to revive the former shipbuilding zone. It marks the transformation of an industrial site into a place of creativity and artistic innovation.
The elephant's name reflects Nantes' colonial past and the trade routes that shaped the city. Visitors can observe how the machine has become part of daily life here, drawing people who want to experience the blend of art and engineering.
Visitors should plan for some waiting time, as rides are limited and queues can form quickly. The best time to visit is early in the morning or on quieter days if you want to minimize your wait.
The machine is operated by people inside who steer its movements, turning the ride into a live performance. This element of human control gives each walk a personal and improvised quality that changes from one visit to the next.
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