In Paris, there's no shortage of open-air works - ephemeral or perennial. These include Buren's famous Colonnes in the 1st arrondissement, Chen Zhen and Xu Min's " La danse de la fontaine émergente " in the 13th arrondissement, the Passe-Muraille in the 18th arrondissement and the recently restored Stravinsky fountain in the 4th arrondissement.
Since December 20, 2023, a new work has joined this list. Located on the Avenue Charles Floquet in the 7th arrondissement, not far from the Eiffel Tower, this installation is situated in front of theCzech Republic embassy. And this location was not chosen at random, since the work in question is a " Václav Havel bench " . Already present in numerous cities around the world, including Washington, Dublin, Barcelona, Athens, Brussels and Hiroshima, the " Václav Havel bench " was officially inaugurated in Paris on December 20.
Asymbolic work of art, it pays tribute to Václav Havel. Czech playwright and statesman, Václav Havel (1936-2011) left an indisputable mark on European history. Considered one of the leading figures of the " Velvet Revolution ", Václav Havel put an end to the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia in 1989. He was President of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic from 1989 to 1992, then President of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003.
This " Václav Havel bench " in Paris features a simple design symbolizing " openness to dialogue and democracy ", explains the City of Paris. On the bench, designed by Czech architect Bořek Šípek, passers-by can read - in French and Czech - Václav Havel's motto: " Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred ".
Open-air exhibitions, for an artistic stroll in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Fancy an open-air exhibition in Paris? Here are the cultural nuggets waiting for you in the capital. The perfect way to get some fresh air and culture! [Read more]
Location
Embassy of the Czech Republic
15 Avenue Charles Floquet
75007 Paris 7
Open-air exhibitions, for an artistic stroll in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
