“Fragile Giants” by Michel Bassompierre Bring a Cuddly Touch to Park Avenue in May 2025!

After captivating audiences across Europe, renowned French sculptor Michel Bassompierre brings his monumental exhibition “Fragile Giants” to Murray Hill! With the support of Galeries Bartoux, Patrons of Park Avenue (POPA), the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association (MHNA), and the New York City Department of Parks, this powerful open-air installation will feature nine monumental animal sculptures along Park Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets for one year, beginning May 2025.

A Tribute to Nature’s Majesty and Fragility

Brown bears, polar bears, and gorillas—symbolic of endangered species—stand tall as majestic figures among the city’s iconic skyscrapers. These works serve as a striking reminder of the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world.

“We need to create wonder. This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it.”
— Michel Bassompierre

A New Work Debuts in NYC: “Le Majestueux”

Unveiled exclusively for New York, Le Majestueux is Bassompierre’s largest gorilla sculpture to date—rising 3 meters high at the corner of Park Avenue and 34th Street, gazing towards the Empire State Building. With a serene presence and noble form, it honors the strength and dignity of its species.

🗓 Opening Celebration – May 17, 2025 at 4PM

Join us in front of the sculpture “Le Miel N°5” at Park Avenue and 38th Street as we officially launch “Fragile Giants” during Park Avenue Day 2025 with an official ribbon cutting at 4pm.

Come meet the artist, Michel Bassompierre, and connect with representatives from POPA, MHNA, and the Bartoux family.

🎉 Experience Park Avenue Day 2025

“Fragile Giants” will be unveiled as part of Park Avenue Day 2025, a vibrant neighborhood street festival featuring live entertainment, local businesses, food, family activities, and cultural experiences. The festival brings together the community to celebrate Murray Hill’s creative spirit and historic charm.

For full details about the festival, visit:
👉 https://murrayhillnyc.org/event/parkavenueday2025/

About the Artist

Michel Bassompierre, born in Paris in 1948, has spent his career sculpting animals with grace and gentleness. His works—crafted in bronze or Carrara marble—are internationally acclaimed for their anatomical precision and poetic form. His bears, gorillas, elephants, and horses are sought after by collectors around the world.

About Galeries Bartoux

Since 1993, Galeries Bartoux has championed visionary artists, creating immersive gallery experiences that inspire art lovers and collectors alike. Their global network of galleries presents emotionally resonant works that blend tradition, innovation, and imagination.

Exhibition Details
📍 Park Avenue between 34th–38th Street
📅 May 12, 2025 – May 11, 2026
🎟 Free and accessible to all

Press Contacts:

• Murray Hill Neighborhood Association: jon@jonharari.com
• Patrons of Park Avenue: victoria.spangola@patronsofparkavenue.org
• Michel Bassompierre: Karène Bassompierre: communication@bassompierre.fr
• Galeries Bartoux: Clémence Langlois: media@galeries-bartoux.com

Follow on Instagram: @mhnanyc | @michelbassompierresculptor | @lesgaleriesbartoux