The Cyclop by Jean Tinguely

A unique artistic discovery hidden in the forest of Milly-la-Forêt
In the heart of the wood of Milly-la-Foret hides a 22.50 meter sculpture of 350 tons of steel. A concrete sculptural work, made of metal and covered partially with mirrors, high as a seven-storeyed building, it takes center stage at the heart of the forest of Milly. Monumental and hidden, it scrutinizes the environment with its unique and golden eye. When the mythological monster wakes up, starts up and mutters, the visitor is invited to enjoy an experience of total art.
Jean Tinguely, his wife Nikki de St Phalle and their friends began the building site in 1969. Numerous artists collaborated in a family and festive atmosphere. Without authorization and with their own deniers, they worked from recycled materials.
But the Cyclop being regularly vandalized, Jean Tinguely had to entrust his big work to the French State in 1987. Finished 25 years after the first works, the Cyclop is inaugurated and opened to the public in 1994. It is registred on the inventories of the National Art collection of contemporary art, a state collection managed by the National Centre for the Visual Arts (CNAP).

Due to security measures, children under 8 years old (even accompanied) can’t come inside the sculpture.

Access around the Cyclop is free. Only guided visits inside the Cyclop and are lasting 45 minutes.

There is an online ticketing service available to book your visit to the Cyclop in advance. Tickets can also be purchased on site, but it is strongly recommended to book ahead to secure your spot, as guided tour groups are limited to a maximum of 25 visitors.

Access: Highway A6, egress point 13 Milly-la-Foret, direction Milly-la-Foret. At the traffic circle arriving to Milly, direction Etampes (D837). 200 meter ahead, turn right on the finger wave track "Le Cyclop" until the parking. Then walk for 10 minutes on the pedestrian track leading to the sculpture.