ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Max Neuhaus's Permanent Sound Installation at Montparnasse Metro

artist · 2026-04-24

In 1986, the RATP commissioned Max Neuhaus to create a permanent acoustic artwork in the Montparnasse Bienvenue metro station in Paris. This marked a first for public commissioning in France, recognizing an intangible work as equivalent to a monument. The corridor, used by approximately 80,000 people daily, provided Neuhaus with the opportunity to reach what he considered the ideal audience for his work.

Key facts

  • Max Neuhaus created a permanent acoustic artwork at Montparnasse Bienvenue metro station.
  • The work was commissioned by the RATP and began operating in 1986.
  • It was the first time an intangible work was recognized as a public monument in France.
  • The corridor sees about 80,000 visitors per day.
  • Neuhaus considered this the ideal audience for his works.

Entities

Artists

  • Max Neuhaus

Institutions

  • RATP

Locations

  • Montparnasse Bienvenue metro station
  • Paris
  • France

Sources