The monumental fountain created by renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle in Château-Chinon, France, is in urgent need of restoration costing approximately 800,000 euros ($800,000). The artwork, commissioned by former French President François Mitterrand, features brightly colored figurines that were originally animated by mechanical systems designed by Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely, but these mechanisms have now fallen silent after decades of operation.
The fountain has been a major tourist attraction throughout the year, with visitors photographing it daily. However, the passage of time and weather conditions have taken their toll on Saint Phalle's figurines, which have become weathered and worn. The mechanical systems created by Tinguely, which once brought the sculptures to life, are now immobile, prompting numerous calls for restoration from both locals and visitors.
Commissioned by the French state and created by the artistic couple of Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely and Franco-American plastic artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002), the fountain was inaugurated in 1988 by François Mitterrand. The former mayor of Château-Chinon, who had become President of the Republic, officially opened the artwork on March 10, 1988, alongside the artists and local officials including René-Pierre Signé.
The fountain's splendor lies in its water features, which flow through the brightly colored figurines that were originally animated by intricate mechanisms. At night, the lighting system gives the entire plaza a magical, fairy-tale appearance. The artwork is owned by the French state and managed by the National Center for Plastic Arts (CNAP), which is responsible for major restoration work. The fountain underwent its first restoration in 2007.
Under a deposit agreement signed in 1988, the municipality of Château-Chinon is responsible for routine maintenance, which it has faithfully carried out for the past 37 years. The city also pays the insurance premium for this major artwork, which is valued at approximately 2.5 million euros ($2.5 million).
Despite the city's diligent maintenance efforts, the fountain's condition has deteriorated significantly. The original mechanical systems and electrical installations are nearing the end of their operational life, requiring major renovation work and updates to meet current safety standards. In 2024, CNAP commissioned an extensive evaluation by a delegation of specialized companies and craftsmen.
During their visit, these specialists acknowledged the quality of maintenance provided by the city over the years. However, their assessment was definitive: the structure is exhausted and requires comprehensive restoration. To restore the fountain to its former splendor, the estimated cost of the necessary work amounts to approximately 800,000 euros.
Although the project has been declared a "priority project" at the national level by CNAP, state funding is insufficient to launch the restoration quickly. The bidding process is scheduled for 2027. However, a fundraising and corporate sponsorship campaign is being considered to supplement the financing and restore the fountain's brilliance, both during the day and at night.
During the restoration work, visitors will be offered a 3D animation experience via QR code, made possible by the complete digital scanning of the artwork completed by the city's services in 2024. This innovative approach will allow tourists to experience the fountain's original glory even while physical restoration is underway.
