Catherine de Saint-Phalle, known as Niki de Saint-Phalle, is a 20th-century French visual artist. Born in 1930 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, she is best known for her Nanas, large, colorful statues of curvaceous women made in the style of modern Venuses.
A member of several artistic movements, including the Nouveaux Réalistes (with César, Christo...), Niki de Saint-Phalle was also inspired byArt Brut. Her second wife was Jean Tinguely, also an artist, and she collaborated extensively with the latter, notably on the Stravinsky fountain project in Paris: just a stone's throw from the Centre Georges Pompidou , her colorful statues bear witness to Niki de Saint-Phalle's artistic universe. The artist also made her mark when, in her book Mon secret , she recounted the rape her father inflicted on her at the age of 11, which had a massive impact on her work.
The Beaubourg district is home to one of Saint-Phalle's best-known works in the capital: the Fontaine Stravinsky (or Automaton Fountain), created in 1983 with Jean Tinguely, is a must-see for both artists.
Paris: the mythical Stravinsky fountain freshly restored, our photos
After eighteen months of restoration work, the Fontaine Stravinsky in Paris has been freshly restored! An opportunity to (re)discover this emblematic and poetic work of art in the Beaubourg district, and the sixteen sculptures that make it up, created by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely. [Read more]
In Milly-la-Forêt, the Cyclop - also created in collaboration with Jean Tinguely - is a gigantic sculpture in the shape of a human head, created by two artists. To catch a glimpse of it, however, you'll have to walk a little to reach it!
In the Montparnasse cemetery, she created two sculptures for the graves of her friends Ricardo Menon and Jean-Jacques Goetzman.
The Montparnasse cemetery, located in the 14th arrondissement, is the final resting place of many famous personalities. Would you like to discover the celebrities buried there? Here's a list of famous people buried in this Parisian cemetery. [Read more]
Along the Quais de Seine, an archipelago of islands - or rather, a free floating garden for all - bears the name of Niki de Saint-Phalle. Created as a tribute to the artist, it does not feature any of her works.
A floating garden in Paris? That's the project proposed for the quays of the Seine in the Invalides district. Good news: it's free! [Read more]
Niki de Saint Phalle: where can you see the famous artist's works in Paris?
Niki de Saint Phalle is one of the world's best-known modern artists. Her art is still exhibited and admired, more than 20 years after her death. Here's where to see Niki de Saint Phalle's work in Paris. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From August 1, 2025 to December 31, 2028
Paris: the mythical Stravinsky fountain freshly restored, our photos
Who is buried in Montparnasse Cemetery? Celebrities and their grave locations
Unusual: a free floating garden accessible from the quays of the Seine in Paris
