Drawn by the promise of a hidden oasis, we arrive at Square des Frères Farman. This isn’t just any park. It holds a secret, a story whispered by four magnificent bronze lions. Square des Frères Farman, a tranquil space spanning over 7,600 square meters, is famous for its lion fountain. But these lions weren’t always here. They embarked on a journey, a tale of relocation and rediscovery. Originally, these lions graced the prestigious Institut de France. Commissioned for a fountain in 1811, they were replicas of lionesses adorning an ancient Egyptian temple. They embodied the Egyptianizing fashion of the era, echoing the lions of the Fontaine des Innocents. But their roar, or rather, the clamor of water carriers beneath the academicians’ windows, led to their silencing. The fountain was dismantled in 1865. The lions, no longer spouting water, became mere decorations before being removed entirely in 1950. The city of Boulogne-Billancourt recognized their majesty and purchased them. Initially separated, two stood watch on Rue de l’Ancienne-Mairie, the others on Rue du 25-Août-1944. Finally, they were reunited in Square des Frères Farman. Here, they regained their purpose, once again spouting water into a large basin. Their presence also honors the Farman brothers, aviation pioneers who shaped Boulogne-Billancourt’s rich aeronautical history. Their company, established in 1924, contributed to the city’s legacy in the skies. So, as you admire these regal creatures, remember their journey. They are not just statues. They are storytellers, whispering tales of history, art, and the enduring spirit of Square des Frères Farman.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to