3D Grass Globe at Paris City Hall

Artist François Abélanet plays tricks on our eyes, making us believe there is a three-dimensional grass globe sitting right in the middle of Paris' City Hall. When viewed at different angles, however, the illusion quickly falls apart.

Who to believe? covers 16,000 sq ft (1500 sq m) and measures 330 ft (100 m) long. Approximately 90 gardeners worked for five days to assemble the entire display.

The official press release states that the installation is supposed to “question the link between nature and city, and their difficult coexistence.”


Side view reveals the actual shape


Five day installation of the piece


Aerial view of the installation process


Photo credit: Mairie de Paris / Deborah Lesage
via [Paris], [Designboom], [Gizmodo]

Eugene Kim

Eugene Kim is the Editor-in-Chief of My Modern Met. In May, 2008, he co-founded the website to create one big city that celebrates creative ideas. His mission is to promote a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.
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