Why are Giant Polar Bears standing outside the Oceanographic Museum?

Polar bears and emperor penguins are the stars of the new exhibition Les Géants des Glaces (“The Ice Giants’) by Michel Bassompierre at the Oceanographic Museum. Through this singular and innovative exhibition, the artist tells the story of captivating animals while raising awareness about the major issues facing polar regions. The exhibition kicked off on 10 April and runs until 6 October 2024.

One of the most important artists in the field of contemporary animal sculpture, Michel Bassompierre and his seven monumental works have taken over the Oceanographic Museum and its roof terrace. Five new creations were specially created for this exhibition: four polar bears and one three-metre-tall emperor penguin. Original drawings and sketches are also part of the exhibition and can be seen in the Conference Room, accompanied by the continuous projection of a film presenting the artist working in his private studio.

Live art by Michel Bassompierre and a conference…

A conference combining Art and Science will also be offered. While Michel Bassompierre creates a live work, specialists about the poles will invite the public to question their relationship with living things and nature.

“By arousing wonder, these fragile colossi question and challenge the visitor about the extreme vulnerability of these species. These works confront the public with the current challenges of protecting biodiversity and contribute to our historic mission to make the world ocean known, loved and protected,” states Robert Calcagno, Director General of the Oceanographic Institute.

Creating the Emperor Penguin piece

Designing the Emperor Penguin sculpture, a piece specially created for the exhibition, required considerable work from the artist. He carefully studied the morphology, skeleton, muscles and character of the animal. The piece features two animals in one sculpture: an adult accompanied by a juvenile.

“There are four of us in my head: the animal scientist (who observes and understands the subject and its behaviour), the anatomist (who grasps the structure of bodies), the designer (who masters the line restoring movement) and the sculptor (which transcribes in volume). But in the end, it’s always the sculptor who decides!” confides Michel Bassompierre.