Did you know that? A monster is hiding in the underground of La Défense

Published by Caroline de Sortiraparis · Photos by Caroline de Sortiraparis · Published on February 9, 2023 at 04:20 p.m.
While tens of thousands of people from the Paris region rush to La Défense every day to go to work, a monster has been lurking in the underground passages of the business district since 1973! We tell you the incredible story of the "Monster" by Raymond Moretti.

Who has never set foot in Paris La Défense? In a few figures, it is the first business district in Europe and the fourth most attractive business district in the world. There are 42,000 inhabitants, 180,000 employees, 500 companies, more than 50 works of art signed by international artists and... a monster!

While tens of thousands of employees are swarming every day on the slabs of Paris La Défense, a monster is hiding in the underground of the famous business district. Have you ever heard of Raymond Moretti's " Monster "?

This monumental sculpture, yet invisible to the general public, has resided in the basement of Paris La Défense since 1973. It was in fact that year that Raymond Moretti, a famous French painter and sculptor of the 20th century, decided to set up his studio in the bowels of La Défense, without forgetting to bring his protean work, which will continue to evolve until the artist's death in 2005.

To give you an idea, this gigantic sculpture, nicknamed the " Monster " by Joseph Kessel, reveals dimensions more than imposing: 30 meters long by 13 meters wide, and 8 meters high!

Monstre Raymond MorettiMonstre Raymond MorettiMonstre Raymond MorettiMonstre Raymond Moretti

Because of its unusual size, Raymond Moretti's " Monster " cannot be taken out of the underground passages of La Défense without being dismantled. Since the artist's death in 2005, the sculpture has resided in his former studio, still located in the basement of the business district.

For the moment, this work of Raymond Moretti is not visible to the general public, except on very rare occasions such as the last edition of Paris Face Cachée. But Paris La Défense is thinking of an alternative to make everyone discover the " Monster " . To be continued!

Practical information

Official website
parisladefense.com

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