Maison fond, Urban art installation near Gare du Nord, France
Maison fond is an art installation near Gare du Nord that depicts a building appearing to sink into the ground. The structure stands about 7 meters tall and features curved brick facades creating an optical illusion of a house dissolving into the pavement.
French artist Leandro Erlich created this work in 2015 during Nuit Blanche, Paris's nighttime art festival. The installation was initially intended to be temporary but became permanent due to its popularity with the public.
The work communicates environmental concerns through its sinking form, prompting visitors to think about climate impacts on our surroundings. It speaks visually to how natural forces can reshape our built environment.
The installation sits on rue de Dunkerque in the 10th district, directly across from Gare du Nord train station. You can view it freely from the street and it is easily accessible by public transport.
The curved brick surfaces unexpectedly became popular with skateboarders who use the slopes as ramps. This unintended use shows how artworks can organically become part of urban culture in surprising ways.
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