LES COLONNES DE BURENNE : PARIS’S MOST FAMOUS STRIPES

Les colonnes de Buren, also known as Les Deux Plateaux, is one of Paris’ most intriguing public art installation. If you are wandering around the Palais Royal, it is definitely worth passing by. Your children will joyfully play hide and seek between the pillars while you try and pierce the mystery of stripes!

Palais Royal - colonnes de Buren - photo @ahedgehogtravels

Located within the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal, you simply cannot miss Daniel Buren’s contemporary piece of art! If the palace was initially built in the 17th century for Richelieu, chief minister of King Louis XIII (whom your children may have heard of thanks to the Three Musketeers), the Colonnes de Buren were built in 1985 only.

Erected upon what was once a parking area, his work is a made of a myriad, to be precise 260, black and white striped columns. With different heights yet identical diameter and width, they stand out sharply against the classic architecture of the palace. Every since its construction, this installation has been highly controversial and was almost destroyed several times...

Les colonnes de Buren Paris - @ourdarlingdays photo

Les colonnes de Buren - @petitefilledete photo

If stripes are one of Daniel Buren’s signature, the meaning behind this installation is slightly mysterious. Here are several plausible explanations but we will let you invent your very own with your children!

* The flat topped columns without anything on top could be a reference to Ancient times and archaeological findings.

* The columns could be part of a play on constrast : black verses white, old architecture of the Palais Royal verses modern art, short pillars verses tall ones. Some say it could a representation of the world in its diversity.

*Some say it is an exploration of perception and space. Depending on your standpoint, the heights will look different.

@lafrancaise.paris striped dress

USEFUL INFORMATION AND TIPS

The Colonnes de Buren are the perfect spot for fun family pictures! 

While in the neighborhood enjoy the nearby open parks of the Palais Royal!

Dress advice : Dress like a princess for your day out around the Palais Royal with one of our striped smocked dresses.

Address :  2 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris - Domaine National du Palais-Royal 

Opening hours : Public space - Open 24h a day