Vincent Mauger explores notions of space and landscape through different media: drawing, video, and especially sculpture. Using construction materials and systems, he creates objects that play with notions of scale. This strange object is composed of long piles of wood fixed to a central matrix and reminiscent of ingenious machinery.
Its scale — equal parts majestic and frightening — reveals the sculpture’s ambiguity. The mind naturally strives to find a use for it: jutting out onto the Loire, dominating the former slipways once used to launch boats… Are we looking at a medieval war machine, an excavation machine from the former shipyards, or the skeleton of a giant animal?
The principles of construction remain visible and allow the spectator to reappropriate the object, to imagine ways to continue building it, or to modify its configuration.
For your security, climbing onto the structure is strictly forbidden
Titan Cranes
The two titan cranes are remnants of the industrial era: the yellow one was put on site in 1955 to raise boat blocks and enable assembly on the slipway. The grey one was needed to unload ships from the 1960s onward, both have since been classified historical sights.
I’m interestedSame artist
Nantes is transforming
Nantes has been getting a major makeover since 2024.
The city is currently undergoing extensive public works, particularly around Île de Nantes (Quai de la Fosse and the Pont Anne-de-Bretagne bridge). Tram Line 1 will be temporarily suspended from mid-June to late August 2026. The city centre and Parc des Chantiers – Machines de l’Île will remain accessible, thanks to replacement buses and to the pedestrian and cycling routes that will continue to be open. Park-and-ride facilities are available to drivers.
For further information
Terrasse des vents, à proximité de la grue jaune 44200 Nantes
How to get there?
Public transport: Quai des Antilles, Gare Maritime
Self-service bicycles: Grue Jaune (n°103), Gare Maritime (n°42), Antilles (n°104), Brunelière (n°41), Machine De L'île (n°43), René Bouhier (n°76)
