On 24 March, Amiens paid tribute to Jules Verne on the 120th anniversary of his death with the inauguration of an impressive sculpture called “Le Nauti-poulpe”. Located near the Freyssinet Hall, this work of art has quickly become a major attraction for the city’s inhabitants and visitors alike.
A tribute to the legacy of Jules Verne
The sculpture “Le Nauti-poulpe”, financed to the tune of 800,000 euros by the City of Amiens and commissioned by the semi-public company Amiens Aménagement, is an original combination of the famous submarine Nautilus and an octopus, recalling “20,000 leagues under the sea”, one of Jules Verne’s most famous works. This bronze creation, 6 metres high and weighing 12 tonnes, symbolises the deep bond between the writer and his adopted city of Amiens.
François Schuiten and Pierre Matter : The creators of the Nauti-poulpe
The design of this unique work is the work of François Schuiten, known for his drawings combining fantasy and architectural realism, and Pierre Matter, a French sculptor known for his creations combining organic and mechanical elements. This collaboration has resulted in a sculpture that not only pays homage to Jules Verne, but also serves as a monument to artistic innovation and imagination.
Inauguration and celebration
The Nauti-poulpe was inaugurated in the presence of key figures such as Mayor Hubert de Jenlis and Alain Gest, President of the Metropolitan Region, as well as the artists and craftsmen responsible for its creation. The ceremony marked the start of the Jules Verne Year in Amiens, a series of events to celebrate the illustrious writer.
The Nauti-poulpe: A new symbol for Amiens
The Nauti-poulpe is not only a tribute to Jules Verne, it has also become a symbol of culture and innovation in Amiens. By attracting art lovers and Verne fans, this sculpture enriches the city’s cultural offering and boosts its tourist appeal.
