Gazing up at these vibrant green forms, one can’t help but wonder about the story behind the Deux Pingouins Sculpture. Here at the Cité Internationale in Lyon, these quirky, oversized penguins stand as a testament to modern art’s playful side. The Deux Pingouins Sculpture, part of a larger collection called “Les Habitants,” was installed in 2006. These aren’t your typical Antarctic penguins. Towering almost three meters high, the Deux Pingouins Sculpture is made of vibrant green polyester resin, a far cry from their feathered counterparts. They are the brainchild of French artist Xavier Veilhan, commissioned by the Grand Lyon. Veilhan envisioned these sculptures as modern-day inhabitants of the city, adding a touch of whimsy to the urban landscape. The Deux Pingouins Sculpture shares the space with other larger-than-life figures: a girl on roller skates, a pizza delivery man, a bear, and a man on a telephone. Each statue boasts a different monochrome color, creating a striking visual contrast. The cost of this whimsical urban intervention? A cool 452,600 euros. So next time you find yourself at the Cité Internationale, take a moment to appreciate the Deux Pingouins Sculpture. They are more than just quirky art pieces. They represent Lyon’s embrace of contemporary art and its ability to find joy in the unexpected.
Hôtel de Cuzieu
Question. What stories could these walls tell? Right here we are standing before the Hôtel de Cuzieu at 30 rue