Transport: Prune Nourry’s army of women unveiled in a preview at Saint-Denis–Pleyel station

Want an exclusive preview of the sculptures that will make up Prune Nourry’s monumental work, soon to be installed in the atrium of Saint-Denis–Pleyel station? Until Sunday, October 25, 2026, the artist is exceptionally opening the doors of her studio on the station’s first floor, free of charge (registration required). It’s a chance to wander among this army of women created by the French artist.

In 2027, the Saint-Denis–Pleyel station will unveil a monumental work by artist Prune Nourry. Entitled “Les Vénus dionysiennes,” the installation will feature 108 sculptures, inspired by the earliest depictions of women in the Paleolithic. Suspended up to 27 metres above the atrium at the heart of the Île-de-France station, these universal figures will measure 1.70 metres tall.

Created in collaboration with several associations, including the Maison des Femmes, and with the participation of women from Saint-Denis, the art project is set to be installed in the Île-de-France station in summer 2027. Until then, the Société des grands projets has decided to open the artist’s studio, tucked away on the first floor of Saint-Denis–Pleyel station, to the public for a limited time. For just four days, from Thursday, October 22 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, visitors and passengers can get a sneak preview of all 108 sculptures and wander among this impressive army of women.

Get an exclusive first look at an army of Venus

"The army is ready and will sleep here before being installed next year," announces Prune Nourry during a press tour held on October 22, 2026. Standing tall and proud, these “Dionysian Venuses” seem to watch us as we wander among them in this large space, transformed into a studio by Prune Nourry for several months.

These sculptures are coated with a patina made from various local clays. But to make each work unique, Prune Nourry devised a “combination of eight shapes paired with a palette of 13 colored clays, ranging from black to brown ochre, including red, yellow and white.” The colors vary, as do the shapes, showcasing the full diversity of women’s bodies. Through these sculptures, the artist offers a free interpretation of life-size “Dionysian Venuses.”

As the artist explains, this is a long-term project, and several constraints have been imposed, including the weight of the sculptures. It is worth recalling that this vertical army of Venuses will stretch 27 meters high, suspended by a specialized hanging system. And 200,000 travelers will pass through this station every day once Saint-Denis - Pleyel is connected to lines 15, 16 and 17.

So no bronze or terracotta for these works. The artist also didn’t want to create a project derived from petroleum. Prune Nourry therefore turned to expanded concrete. The result? These sculptures weigh between 60 and 80 kg, depending on the woman.

The French visual artist, who is also exhibiting at the Petit Palais at the moment, also highlights the link between the land, at the heart of this project, and the Seine-Saint-Denis department. “Saint-Denis is a land of archaeology.” The Île-de-France department is home, among other institutions, to the City of Saint-Denis Archaeology Unit (UASD), considered one of France’s oldest municipal archaeology departments, established in 1982.

To get a first look at this army of women and its 108 sculptures, head to Saint-Denis–Pleyel station through October 25, inclusive. Admission is free, but registration is required via this link. “As the workshop is located in a construction zone, closed-toe shoes are required. A hard hat and an orange vest will be provided and must be worn throughout the visit,” the notice states. Visits are open from noon to 7 p.m., except on Friday, October 23, when they exceptionally end at 4 p.m.

To reach this workshop on the first floor of Saint-Denis – Pleyel, simply exit onto the forecourt and climb the steps to the right as you leave the station.

With the arrival of lines 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Grand Paris Express, it’s worth remembering that 68 new stations will be built in the Île-de-France region by 2031. Each of these future stations will feature a permanent work of art, conceived jointly by an architect and an artist, including Sophie Calle, JR, Otobong Nkanga, Anselm Kiefer, Felice Varini, Duy Anh Nhan Duc, Guillaume Bresson and Eva Jospin—and now Prune Nourry.