L'Araignée Rouge Calder
Alexander Calder's monumental 15-meter red spider sculpture, an iconic symbol of La Défense since 1976.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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L'Araignée Rouge Calder
Best Time
Best for viewing sculpture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Alexander Calder's monumental 15-meter red spider sculpture, an iconic symbol of La Défense since 1976.
"Spectacular Calder sculpture, a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense."
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
This massive red spider is a must-see landmark in La Défense for memorable photos.
📍 Easy to Find
Visible from afar, it's a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 14 reviews
Type
Sculpture
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
L'Araignée Rouge
Place de la Défense
Alexander Calder's imposing 15-meter tall red spider sculpture, a striking symbol of La Défense since 1976.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting Up Close
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
This massive red spider is a must-see landmark in La Défense for memorable photos.
📍 Easy to Find
Visible from afar, it's a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense.
💡 Historical Significance
Installed in 1976, the year of the artist's death, Calder himself chose its location.
✨ Keep an Eye Out
Sometimes fencing is present, but it's still an imposing and impressive steel sculpture.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
This massive red spider is a must-see landmark in La Défense for memorable photos.
📍 Easy to Find
Visible from afar, it's a great landmark and meeting point in La Défense.
💡 Historical Significance
Installed in 1976, the year of the artist's death, Calder himself chose its location.
✨ Keep an Eye Out
Sometimes fencing is present, but it's still an imposing and impressive steel sculpture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find L'Araignée Rouge to be a spectacular and iconic steel sculpture, a significant landmark in La Défense since 1976. Its imposing size and vibrant red color are consistently praised, though some wish for better preservation and cleaning of the artwork.
"Cool to see a Calder sculpture in La Defense. I want to see it again without the fence around it."
Chloe J
"Calder is fantastic. Since 1976!"
Patrick Dejonghe
"It's an imposing steel sculpture. Standing 15 meters tall, it weighs 75 tons! It evokes a work by the same artist, Flamingo, located in Chicago.
This sculpture was installed in 1976, the year of the artist's death, and he himself chose its location on Place de la Défense.
It is visible from afar and is a landmark on the Place de la Défense. There's a police station nearby. It's easy to get there."
Christophe Giroire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
L'Araignée Rouge is located on the Place de la Défense. You can easily reach La Défense via the RER A train line (La Défense station) or various bus routes. It's a prominent landmark, so it's easy to spot once you're in the area.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the La Défense business district. However, public transport is highly recommended for ease of access and to avoid traffic.
Yes, the sculpture is visible from afar, making it a landmark that can be spotted as you approach the La Défense area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, L'Araignée Rouge is an outdoor public sculpture located in the Place de la Défense, so there is no admission fee and no ticket is required to view it.
As it's an outdoor sculpture in a public square, you can view L'Araignée Rouge at any time of day or night. Daylight hours are best for appreciating its details and color.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best lighting for photographing L'Araignée Rouge. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide dramatic lighting.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
While you can get quite close, there may be temporary fencing around the sculpture for preservation. It's still an imposing sight and great for photos.
🎫 ℹ️ About the Sculpture
L'Araignée Rouge was created by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder.
The sculpture was installed in 1976, the same year Alexander Calder passed away.
L'Araignée Rouge stands an impressive 15 meters tall and weighs approximately 75 tons.
This striking sculpture is made of steel, painted in its signature vibrant red.
Yes, it evokes a work by the same artist called 'Flamingo,' which is located in Chicago.
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