Paris hides a treasure trove of small secrets, and you can rediscover one by stepping through the doors of Saint-Eustache Church in the Halles district. There you’ll find La Vie du Christ, the famous bronze triptych by Keith Haring, recently reinstalled in the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Chapel after months of restoration. While the work was being refurbished, it was loaned to Nantes’ Dobrée Museum before returning to its Parisian home.
Created a few weeks before the death of the American artist in 1990, this sculpture is regarded as his final major artistic testament. True to his instantly recognizable style, Keith Haring blends dynamic silhouettes, clean lines and religious symbols in a composition drawn from Christian iconography. The Christ Child sits at the center of the piece, surrounded by figures that evoke love, suffering and hope.
The presence of this work in a church is far from incidental. Keith Haring, who died of AIDS at just 31, wanted to gift a piece to Paris, a city he held in particularly high regard. Based at Saint-Eustache since 2003, the triptych also pays tribute to the parish’s commitment, which welcomed people affected by HIV at a time when they were often rejected elsewhere.
Often hailed as his artistic and spiritual testament, The Life of Christ is regarded as the last work conceived by Keith Haring before his death in February 1990. The triptych was completed about two weeks before his disappearance, while he knew his illness was at an advanced stage.
The recent restoration of the chapel, funded by the World Monuments Fund, now offers a renewed opportunity to witness the striking encounter between 17th‑century heritage and contemporary creation. A visit that underscores how art can span eras and stake its claim in the most surprising spaces.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Location
Saint Eustache Church
2 impasse St Eustache
75001 Paris 1
