The Stravinsky Fountain, near the Pompidou Center, is one of my favorites in Paris, with its whimsical moving sculptures, and in good weather the crowds of children and families enjoying it.
But last September, I was surprised to find the sculptures still, and the water gone, although the weather was not yet cold enough for its winter furlough. I'm sharing a few pictures, along with some from sunnier times.
The fountain, which actually covers parts of the offices and studios of IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique), founded by conductor Pierre Boulez to promote modern music and musicology, The idea for a fountain with figures based on Stravinsky works came from Boulez.
The sculptures were done by husband-and-wife sculptors Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint-Phalle. The colored pieces are hers, the black mechanical ones are his.
For more pictures and other Gumbo coverage of the fountain, click HERE
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