A celebration of creativity, rebellion, and love – the exhibition “Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten” at the Grand Palais Paris invites visitors into a fascinating world of art, freedom, and emotion. The show is dedicated to the legendary artist couple Niki de Saint Phalle (1930–2002) and Jean Tinguely (1925–1991), as well as their close friend, the visionary museum director Pontus Hulten (1924–2006). Together they formed an explosive trio that redefined art as a free, participatory, and revolutionary act.
Art as an Act of Rebellion
Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely shared not only a passionate relationship but also a radical artistic attitude. For them, art was an act of defiance – against conventions, social constraints, and the limits of tradition. Their works burst with energy, humor, and joie de vivre, inviting viewers not merely to look at art but to experience it.
Pontus Hulten – The Driving Force Behind a New Art Movement
At the heart of the exhibition stands Pontus Hulten, one of the most influential museum directors of the 20th century and the first head of the Musée national d’art moderne at the Centre Pompidou. He was a close collaborator and supporter of Saint Phalle and Tinguely, promoting their visionary projects with unrelenting enthusiasm. Highlights of their collaboration include the monumental, walk-in “Nana” from the legendary exhibition Hon – en Katedral (1966) at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, and the extraordinary project “Le Crocrodrome de Zig & Puce” (1977) in the Forum of the Centre Pompidou.
A Tribute to Creativity, Love, and Friendship
The exhibition draws on the rich collections of the Centre Pompidou and major international loans. It presents iconic works, personal documents, and multimedia installations that bring the creative alchemy of this artistic trio to life. Visitors experience a unique fusion of art, love, friendship, and social engagement – a journey through the imaginative universe of three individuals who broke all boundaries.
“Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten” is more than just an art exhibition – it is an invitation to rediscover the world of modernity. Anyone who loves art, visits Paris, or is passionate about avant-garde, Pop Art, and kinetic sculpture should not miss this cultural highlight of 2025.
🖼️ Exhibition Information:
Title: Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten – Passion, Rebellion and the Power of Art
Venue: Grand Palais, Paris
Dates: June 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Opening Hours: Daily except Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Fridays until 10:00 p.m.
More Information: www.centrepompidou.fr
