What if a traffic circle became a battleground? This is the story of Rond-Point André Malraux. It is a place that embodies both artistic ambition and public controversy. This seemingly ordinary traffic circle has a tale to tell. The tale involves political decisions artistic expression and even a contest for the worst traffic circle in France.
Rond-Point André Malraux is more than just a place where roads meet. It is a testament to the complex relationship between art politics and public opinion. In 2017 the association Contribuables Associés launched a competition. It was for the worst traffic circle in France. This was done to highlight wasteful public spending. Among the contenders was the Rond-Point André Malraux in Pontarlier.
The association described it as a mask of the writer and Minister of Culture André Malraux. The traffic circle quickly gained notoriety. Internet users cast their votes and Rond-Point André Malraux was declared the winner in January 2018. It received a staggering 33% of the votes. News of the victory even made it to national television. Jean-Pierre Pernaut covered it on TF1.
But how did this traffic circle come to be? Why was it dedicated to André Malraux? The story begins in 1996. The decision was made to create a traffic circle near the Collège du Larmont. This was mainly for safety reasons. The estimated cost was 2.8 million francs. The city of Pontarlier the department of Doubs and the state all contributed to the project.
In 1996-1997 students from a local 4th-grade class participated in an interdisciplinary project. It focused on twelve aspects of André Malraux’s life. These included his roles as a writer an art enthusiast and a Minister of Culture. As part of the project the students created wooden artworks. They reflected these facets of Malraux’s personality.
The students also wanted to create a monumental outdoor sculpture. The new traffic circle was the perfect location. The city chose Bernard Paul to create the sculpture. Paul met with the students and teachers. He created a three-dimensional model. It included symbolic elements such as a book an airplane propeller and facial profiles.
The city of Pontarlier also planned to install artwork throughout the city. Two sculptures were loaned from Noidans-le-Ferroux. They were placed near the library and in Grands Planchants. Bernard Paul the same artist chosen for the Rond-Point André Malraux sculpture created these sculptures. On June 24 1998 the city council officially named the traffic circle after André Malraux.
The council wished to honor Malraux a significant figure in French culture and politics. This was further emphasized by the installation of Bernard Paul’s sculpture. The statue was installed on September 30 1998. Controversy arose immediately. Some locals mistook the statue for a Native American.
On October 2 1998 the Est Républicain reported the statue was causing accidents. Drivers were distracted. The statue’s placement was also debated. Should Malraux face the school or the traffic? Ultimately it was decided he would face the school and the city. The statue also differed significantly from the original model. This disappointed teachers. They felt it was better suited against a wall not in the center of a traffic circle.
Despite the controversy the project received funding. It fell under the “1% artistique” program. This program allocated 1% of public construction funds to contemporary art. Negotiations between the city and the artist led to a simplified design. The cost of the statue was 100000 francs which is about 15000 euros. This was financed by the city and the department.
The choice of André Malraux’s name was not without political undertones. Previous attempts to name the local college after Larmont failed. Political shifts in Pontarlier led to the selection of Malraux a figure associated with Charles de Gaulle.
Today Rond-Point André Malraux may be known as the “worst traffic circle in France”. Yet it sparks conversation. It makes people think about art and public spaces. It reminds us that even the most mundane places can have fascinating stories.