lalanne ostrich bar sothebys paris

François-Xavier Lalanne's functional sculpture "Ostrich Bar" (1965) sold for €11.1 million ($12.5 million) at Sotheby's Paris on May 20, far exceeding its €3–4 million estimate after an 11-minute bidding war. The piece, one of only six ever produced, features two porcelain ostriches gripping a metal shelf with a central egg for ice cubes; it was the artist's personal favorite, kept in his bedroom for over four decades. The sale took place within Sotheby's Important Design sale curated by model Betty Catroux.

Museum Night in Paris and Île-de-France: 5 ideas to get off the beaten track

Nuit des musées à Paris et en Île-de-France : 5 idées pour sortir des sentiers battus

The article from Beaux Arts Magazine offers five alternative recommendations for experiencing the Nuit des Musées (Museum Night) in Paris and the Île-de-France region on May 23. Instead of visiting major museums like the Musée d'Orsay or the Grand Palais, readers are guided to lesser-known institutions and unique activities: exploring the craftsmanship of Sèvres porcelain at the Mobilier national, joining a festive dance workshop led by choreographer Wanjiru Kamuyu at the Palais de la Porte-Dorée, creating a collective fresco inspired by Jean Dubuffet at the Parc de l'Île Saint-Germain in Issy-les-Moulineaux, and immersing in the historical atmosphere of 1936 at the Musée de l'Histoire vivante in Montreuil.

'The idea is to breathe new life into the space': Didier Fusillier, the president of the newly reopened Grand Palais, on his vision for the Parisian institution

Didier Fusillier, president of the newly reopened Grand Palais in Paris, outlines his vision for the historic venue in an interview. The reopening is marked by 'Grand Palais d’été,' a diverse program in partnership with the Centre Pompidou that includes talks, performances under the 'Fun Palace' banner, exhibitions of Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hultén, Bruno Decharme’s Art Brut collection, contemporary tapestries, and 'Euphoria. Art is in the air.' Fusillier emphasizes a collaborative, eclectic approach, with free public access to new spaces and sponsorship from Chanel.