Free Exhibition at Plaza Athénée: Michel Bassompierre’s Menagerie Invades the Palace

In Paris, nature is making a regal entrance… at the Plaza Athénée! From February 18 to April 16, 2026, the legendary Hôtel Plaza Athénée hosts a free exhibition showcasing six sculptures by Michel Bassompierre, a leading figure in contemporary animal sculpture. Having previously graced the Jardin des Plantes, the Haussmann district, Rosa Bonheur’s castle, and the Intercontinental, Bassompierre now brings his majestic menagerie to the heart of the Montaigne Avenue palace. This creates a poetic dialogue between lively animal forms and the elegance of this luxurious setting.

As soon as you enter, a polar bear proudly stands in front of the iconic façade. Inside the lobby, a powerful and graceful rearing horse commands attention. In the Gallery — a sanctuary for coffee and sweet tooths — a small gorilla keeps watch at the entrance. Finally, the Cour Jardin opens onto two monumental resin sculptures: a gorilla and a bear, accompanied by a small bronze bear. Each placard bears a title that captures the animal’s attitude, intent, and gesture. “The Wasp,” a little brown bear with a playful, surprised look, gazes skyward. Everything revolves around movement, posture, and gesture — the driving forces behind Bassompierre’s art. The sculpture strikes a pose, and with the title, it’s up to you to imagine the rest.

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Trained at the Rouen School of Fine Arts in Leleu’s studio, Bassompierre, the son of a visual artist and a scientist, blends meticulous observation with instinctive poetry. His sculptures of Asian elephants, gorillas, bears, and horses — all characterized by their generous and soothing forms — come to life in bronze or Carrara marble, where the light gently caresses the shapes rather than starkly striking them.

Round, mighty, gentle, and majestic… the Bassompierre Bestiary is now on display at the Plaza Athénée, bringing the wild into the heart of the luxury hotel. Open for exploration until April 16.