Haussmann Tag

PARIS – The bustling Boulevard Haussman, home to Galeries Lafayette and Printemps shops, will soon welcome polar bears and gorillas amongst its chic boutiques. It’s all of the work of renowned animal sculptor Michel Bassompierre, who will unveil his largest sculpture so far on the opening ceremony Feb. 1. The brand new piece, titled “Le Mélèze,” stands just above 13 feet and can tower over the famed shopping street. An open-air exhibition of 11 pieces will run until March 31. Other pieces from Bassompierre’s series “Fragile Colosses” will even be on display on the nearby Mogador Theater. The sculptor is thought for his depictions of endangered species in bronze and marble. The exhibit, brought together by the Comité Haussmann association and Galeries Bartoux,...