The metallic horse sculpture Zeus, which captivated audiences worldwide during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, faces exhibition challenges in Nantes due to ongoing social movements. The sculpture, originally scheduled to be displayed at Place Graslin starting Friday, September 19, has been relocated to a different venue due to security concerns stemming from local protests.
Zeus became an international sensation when it galloped along the Seine River during the spectacular opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in July 2024. The metallic horse sculpture was constructed in Nantes in the Loire-Atlantique region at the Blam workshop, directed by Aurélien Meyer. After the Olympics concluded, Zeus embarked on a tour across France, making stops in Lyon and Mont-Saint-Michel in Manche before returning to its birthplace.
The exhibition faced significant disruption due to the "Block Everything" (Bloquons tout) movement, which has been particularly active in Nantes. Since September 10, protesters had established a demonstration village at Place Graslin, the originally planned exhibition site. Although law enforcement successfully evacuated the protesters using tear gas, the square and the areas around the theater remain popular gathering spots for demonstrators, creating uncertainty about future protests.
Given the ongoing social unrest, organizers could not guarantee the safety of the artwork, which is owned by pharmaceutical company Sanofi. The potential for vandalism or damage to the sculpture made it impossible to proceed with the original exhibition plans at Place Graslin. Both the Nantes city hall and the metropolitan authority were contacted by BFMTV regarding possible postponement dates or alternative exhibition venues.
In response to these challenges, city officials announced that Zeus would be installed at Cours Cambronne from September 19 to 28 in a unique format designed specifically for Nantes residents. This new location will serve as the final stop of the sculpture's national tour. The exhibition will feature Zeus mounted on the same trimaran that carried it through the waters of the Seine during the Olympics ceremony.
The sculpture will be presented in an interactive format, moving for one minute every three minutes during designated hours from 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM daily. Additionally, a photo exhibition documenting the creation process of Zeus by Atelier Blam will be installed nearby during the same period. The comprehensive display will provide visitors with insights into the artistic and technical aspects of the sculpture's development.
Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland is scheduled to attend the exhibition opening at 7:00 PM on Friday at Cours Cambronne. As part of the special opening ceremony, the statue will remain in motion until 11:00 PM, providing extended viewing opportunities for residents and visitors. This modified exhibition format aims to conclude Zeus's tour on a high note while ensuring the safety and security of the valuable artwork.
