Le Cyclop, Monumental sculpture and open-air museum in Milly-la-Forêt, France.
Le Cyclop is a massive metallic sculpture that rises 22.5 meters high from the forest floor, constructed from steel and concrete. Mirrors are built into its structure to reflect the surrounding woods and natural light.
Construction began in 1969 under Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle, taking 25 years until the public opening in 1994. This extended building period allowed multiple artist generations to contribute their work to the interior.
The interior space was created through the combined efforts of several artists including Daniel Spoerri, César, and Eva Aeppli, each contributing their own installations. This collective approach shows how different creative visions came together to form a single artistic statement.
The exterior remains freely accessible at any time, but entering the interior requires joining a guided tour with a small group. Plan your visit in advance since tours are limited to groups of around 25 people.
The interior features mechanical music, moving parts, and even a performance space that shifts and changes during visits. These working artistic elements create surprise moments that pure visual observers might not expect.
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