Le Kiosque des noctambules, Art installation at Place Colette, Paris, France
Le Kiosque des noctambules is an art installation marking the entrance to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre metro station, featuring two domes made of Venetian glass beads and aluminum structures. The spheres catch light in different ways and are arranged in a symmetrical design that frames the subway opening below.
The installation was created by Jean-Michel Othoniel in 2000 to mark the centennial of the Paris Metro system. The work was designed to honor the transportation network while enriching public space with contemporary art.
The two domes represent day and night through warm and cool-toned glass spheres, creating a visual connection between art and daily commute. This symbolism becomes apparent to anyone passing through, making the installation a shared artistic experience.
The installation features aluminum benches along its sides where visitors can sit and view the work. The site is accessible around the clock since it marks an active metro entrance used throughout the day and night.
Glass figurines crown each dome while display cases embedded in the metro walls showcase colored glass pearls that mirror the exterior design. This pairing of inside and outside glass arrangements creates a visual link between the street-level art and the underground station.
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