The story of this Route is a vibrant testimony to a commitment to art and the rebirth of a place. In the 1980s, the Plateau d'Assy was seeking to reinvent itself and reclaim its identity. At that time, poet Jean-Pierre Lemesle and his team embarked on a bold quest: to free art from the constraints of the museum and share it with everyone. The result of this ambition is a breathtaking collection of contemporary art.
Among the artists who have left their mark are such illustrious names as Alexander Calder, Albert Féraud, Agostin Cardenas, Joan Gardy Artigas and Charles Semser.
These artists created five monumental works, living testimonies to their artistic vision. Since their installation in 1989, these sculptures have become iconic landmarks, arousing the curiosity and admiration of visitors.
But that was only the beginning. Over the years, the Route de la Sculpture Contemporaine has grown, welcoming new works and new artists, offering an ever-evolving artistic experience. As you stroll along this route, you'll be transported to a world where art and nature merge harmoniously, where each sculpture tells a unique story and invites contemplation.
Come and discover this ode to creativity, this celebration of artistic renaissance, this encounter between art and the soul of the mountains. The Route de la Sculpture Contemporaine in Passy is much more than an art trail, it's an invitation to explore art in a new light, to experience history transformed into beauty, to let creativity take you to the heart of the majestic mountains. Come and be inspired by the symphony of art and nature that awaits you in Passy.
- Historic site and monument
Route de la sculpture contemporaine
The Route de la Sculpture Contemporaine: more than just an art walk; a journey through the history of modern art, an immersion in the heart of creativity that transcends museums to flourish in nature itself.
About
Welcome to Passy, where contemporary art comes to life along the famous Route de la Sculpture Contemporaine. Two new works of art have recently been added to this artistic trail, creating a fascinating fusion of art and environment. Here's a glimpse of these two striking masterpieces:
"Mécanique Céleste" by Philippe Pallafray (2023)
Located in the grounds of the Maison Biollay in Chedde, the work is composed of two metal blocks that support a mirror-polished stainless steel sphere at their center. The sphere reflects the surrounding landscape, the crest of Mont Blanc, imbued with the blue and white so characteristic of the mountains, and the pink of sunsets over eternal snow. Its brilliance and purity contrast with the rough metal of the two segments that support it. Their rusted appearance recalls the mechanical forces of the industrial work of the men and women who work in the valley. The stainless-steel ball suspended between the interstices of the metal highlights the natural surroundings, in contrast to the rough geometric segments, symbolizing the region's flourishing industry.
"Open Heart" by Maxime Descombin (2023)
On your way to the Plateau d'Assy, you'll discover Maxime Descombin's "Cœur Ouvert" (Open Heart). This astonishing sculpture, originally named "Coeur ouvert Croi'd'coeur" by the artist, is made up of two identical elements in a spherical shape, assembled in a cross and embedded one inside the other, symbolizing the meeting of one with the other. The heart forms a blossoming bud, symbolizing birth.
Walking along the Route de la Sculpture Contemporaine in Passy, "Mécanique Céleste" and "Cœur Ouvert" stand as powerful symbols of contemporary art and the richness of human experience. These two sculptures invite visitors to explore the mysteries of the universe and the human soul, creating an unforgettable artistic experience in the heart of the Mont Blanc region.
Prices
Free access. Guided tours on request.
Reception
Opening
All year round, daily.
Labels and rating
Contacts
Access
To see the entire Route de la Sculpture Contemporaine, it's best to travel by car or electric bicycle. In some places, you'll need to park your car to access the sculptures on foot.
