Catène de Containers

Arriving by sea into the Port of Le Havre, it is easy to see why it has earned a reputation as one of France's most drab and architecturally modern cities. Standing out among all its white and beige facades, however, are two oddly rainbow-colored arches, one situated inside the other. Upon closer inspection, the arches are apparently constructed of the same standardized shipping containers found throughout the port.

Catène de Containers ("Chain of Containers") was commissioned from artist Vincent Ganivet in honor of Le Havre's 500th anniversary in 2017. Ganivet is known for his series of catenary-shaped arch sculptures, inspired by the work of architect Antoni Gaudí.

This sculpture appropriately commemorates the city's heritage, which has always been tied to the sea and shipping. The stainless steel containers' bright colors, besides contrasting against the arches' surroundings, also reflect the identifying colors painted by different shipping companies.