Paris's Stravinsky Fountain: Secret Street Art & Sculptures

A local’s guide to the colorful Stravinsky Fountain in Paris, close to Châtelet and Le Marais – a pretty public art installation with sculptures and street art!

Paris’s hidden gems are why I fell in love with the city again last year, after years living there, and, well, years not living there, what with my moving to Rome and London.

As I was walking around Châtelet a few days ago, I came across the Stravinsky Fountain, which I’d spotted in the past, but never really took the time to explore and snap pictures of.

I was just strolling – very lazily, still dreaming about my short visit to the Cloître des Billettes, one of my favorite places in Paris, and one to visit absolutely if you’re into historical sites that double as pretty photo spots.

I must say, I was most excited for the fake windows nearby, and didn’t think I’d post about the fountain – I just wanted to take a few pics as a souvenir, but hey, here goes.

If you’re into street art, public sculptures, or are looking for beautiful places you haven’t yet crossed off your bucket list, the Stravinsky Fountain is a great spot to visit solo, or with kids!

Paris’s Stravinsky Fountain: Secret Street Art & Sculptures

It’s easy to access the Stravinsky Fountain in Paris from both Le Marais area and Châtelet, via stations Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet-Les Halles or Rambuteau, and you can see the sculptures for free at all times of the day/year.

Its precise location is Place Igor Stravinsky, right next to the Centre Georges Pompidou, at the border between Beaubourg and Le Marais.

Now, what is it exactly, and why do we have colorful sculptures right there, in the heart of Paris?

Well, the Stravinsky Fountain (also called Fontaine des Automates) was inaugurated in 1983 as a homage to the Russian composer.

It was created by artists Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle (the latter is also responsible for the whimsical Tarot Garden in Italy).

Niki de Saint Phalle’s art is known to play of fantasy and color, and Tinguely’s mechanical sculptures, painted in black, contrast beautifully with the colorful resin and fiberglass around the fountain.

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Each sculpture was inspired by the composer’s works and themes – as you’ll see in the photo gallery, they all bear a name, from ‘The Mermaid’ to ‘Death’ and ‘The Firebird’.

In total, 16 sculptures dot the basin; some spray water, some move, while some just don’t budge and make for wonderful photo subjects.

All were cleaned, repaired and repainted in 2022-23, with the hydraulic and mechanical systems renewed.

You can spot details and colors precisely as you walk around the Stravinsky Fountain with the Saint-Merri Church in the background.

Sculptures at Stravinsky Fountain, Paris Photo Gallery

Paris’s Stravinsky Fountain: Secret Street Art & Sculptures

I’ll forever be a lover of unexpected, beautiful places in Paris, and the Stravinsky Fountain is probably one of the most unexpected hidden gems you’ll come across.

I do love shopping in Paris, and Châtelet and Le Marais are perfect places to do so – why not combine your shopping moment with a quick visit to the colorful fountain?

When you’re done admiring the fountain and snapping pics, I’d recommend walking around the Marais and Beaubourg areas to spot even more pretty streets, indie shops, and other colorful alleys hidden in the surroundings.

Then, if you’d like to discover other instagrammable places, or would just like to get lost in winding streets, why not discover the Montmartre area and other secret villages right inside Paris?

Or, to keep up with your artsy moment in the city, do pop by one of Paris’s free museums nearby, like the stunning Musée Carnavalet!

Stravinsky Fountain, Paris
Address: Rue Brisemiche, 75004 Paris
Website: Ville de Paris