L'Araignée Rouge Calder
Alexander Calder's monumental 15-meter red spider sculpture, an iconic symbol of La Défense since 1976.
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L'Araignée Rouge Calder
Best Time
Best for viewing sculpture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Alexander Calder's monumental 15-meter red spider sculpture, an iconic symbol of La Défense since 1976.
"Spectacular Calder sculpture, a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense."
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
This massive red spider is a must-see landmark in La Défense for memorable photos.
📍 Easy to Find
Visible from afar, it's a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
L'Araignée Rouge
Place de la Défense
Alexander Calder's imposing 15-meter tall red spider sculpture, a striking symbol of La Défense since 1976.
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Getting Up Close
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
This massive red spider is a must-see landmark in La Défense for memorable photos.
📍 Easy to Find
Visible from afar, it's a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense.
💡 Historical Significance
Installed in 1976, the year of the artist's death, Calder himself chose its location.
✨ Keep an Eye Out
Sometimes fencing is present, but it's still an imposing and impressive steel sculpture.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
This massive red spider is a must-see landmark in La Défense for memorable photos.
📍 Easy to Find
Visible from afar, it's a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense.
💡 Historical Significance
Installed in 1976, the year of the artist's death, Calder himself chose its location.
✨ Keep an Eye Out
Sometimes fencing is present, but it's still an imposing and impressive steel sculpture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find L'Araignée Rouge to be a spectacular and iconic steel sculpture, a significant landmark in La Défense since 1976. Its imposing size and vibrant red color are consistently praised, though some wish for better preservation and cleaning of the artwork.
"Cool to see a Calder sculpture in La Defense. I want to see it again without the fence around it."
Chloe J
"Calder is fantastic. Since 1976!"
Patrick Dejonghe
"It's an imposing steel sculpture. Standing 15 meters tall, it weighs 75 tons! It evokes a work by the same artist, Flamingo, located in Chicago.
This sculpture was installed in 1976, the year of the artist's death, and he himself chose its location on Place de la Défense.
It is visible from afar and is a landmark on the Place de la Défense. There's a police station nearby. It's easy to get there."
Christophe Giroire
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What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
L'Araignée Rouge is located on the Place de la Défense. You can easily reach La Défense via the RER A train line (La Défense station) or various bus routes. It's a prominent landmark, so it's easy to spot once you're in the area.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the La Défense business district. However, public transport is highly recommended for ease of access and to avoid traffic.
Yes, the sculpture is visible from afar, making it a landmark that can be spotted as you approach the La Défense area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, L'Araignée Rouge is an outdoor public sculpture located in the Place de la Défense, so there is no admission fee and no ticket is required to view it.
As it's an outdoor sculpture in a public square, you can view L'Araignée Rouge at any time of day or night. Daylight hours are best for appreciating its details and color.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best lighting for photographing L'Araignée Rouge. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide dramatic lighting.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
While you can get quite close, there may be temporary fencing around the sculpture for preservation. It's still an imposing sight and great for photos.
🎫 ℹ️ About the Sculpture
L'Araignée Rouge was created by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder.
The sculpture was installed in 1976, the same year Alexander Calder passed away.
L'Araignée Rouge stands an impressive 15 meters tall and weighs approximately 75 tons.
This striking sculpture is made of steel, painted in its signature vibrant red.
Yes, it evokes a work by the same artist called 'Flamingo,' which is located in Chicago.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting when the nearby carousel is operational for added fun. The sheer scale of the sculpture is impressive for all ages, and it provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about public art and its role in urban spaces. It's a memorable and accessible landmark for a family outing.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light and more dramatic shadows. While sometimes fenced, you can still achieve compelling shots. The sculpture's presence near other points of interest in La Défense also provides opportunities for varied compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Alexander Calder
L'Araignée Rouge, installed in 1976, is one of his most significant public works in Paris. Its placement in the heart of the La Défense business district, a hub of modern architecture, underscores the integration of art into urban landscapes. The sculpture's sheer scale and vibrant color make it an unmissable landmark, inviting contemplation and interaction from the thousands who pass by daily.
Calder's artistic philosophy emphasized the joy and dynamism of movement and form. He believed that art should be accessible and engaging for everyone. This philosophy is evident in L'Araignée Rouge, which, despite its immense size and weight, conveys a sense of lightness and playful energy, much like a real spider poised to move.
L'Araignée Rouge as a La Défense Landmark
The sculpture's strategic location near other amenities, such as a carousel, further enhances its role as a central point of interest. It stands as a testament to the district's commitment to incorporating significant public art into its modern architectural environment. The contrast between the sleek, contemporary buildings of La Défense and Calder's organic, yet abstract, form creates a dynamic visual dialogue.
While the sculpture is a beloved feature, some visitors have noted that its upkeep could be improved, with occasional mentions of it not being as clean or well-preserved as one might hope. Nevertheless, its enduring presence and artistic merit continue to make it a significant attraction within the La Défense landscape.
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