‘Tower of Figures’ in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France

Standing proudly in the suburban landscape of Issy-les-Moulineaux, just outside Paris, the Tour aux Figures is an oversized explosion of artistic imagination brought to life by Jean Dubuffet, a celebrated French artist known for his eccentric and playful approach to art. This towering sculpture, completed in 1988, is a colorful, 78-foot-tall labyrinth of abstract forms and vibrant patterns that seems to have been plucked straight from a child’s dream—or perhaps an alien landscape.

Dubuffet, who was fascinated by the raw and unfiltered creativity found in outsider art, envisioned the Tour aux Figures as a monumental “anti-monument.” Its winding shapes and bold palette defy architectural norms, inviting viewers to step away from the ordinary and into the extraordinary. The exterior is covered in Dubuffet’s signature “Hourloupe” style—a jigsaw-like pattern of white, black, red, and blue that evokes a sense of movement and mystery. 

But the real secret lies within! Inside the sculpture is a spiral staircase leading to a small observation area. While it’s not always accessible to the public, this hidden interior embodies Dubuffet’s desire for art to be both immersive and interactive.

Nestled in Parc de l’Île Saint-Germain, the Tour aux Figures is not just a piece of art—it’s a playful conversation starter, a beacon of imagination, and a reminder that creativity knows no bounds. Whether you’re admiring it from the grassy park below or lucky enough to venture inside, this towering masterpiece is a must-see for art lovers and dreamers alike.