Mikado’s of Paris Paris
Gamified benches
Don't know Mikado? Well another reference is the building-block game Kapla or Jenga but instead of measuring centimeters, think more in metres. A gigantic version of a building-block game and one which you can recline on.
Mikado's. That's the nickname given to a series of block-sized seating spaces created by architects of Franklin Azzi Architecture and which have begun to pop up in Paris' public spaces. They're the equivalent of the humble bench and take their name because they look like the game Mikado.
These Mikado seating spaces or stations are composed using heavy machinery around the city, which levers the heavy blocks into position. Depending on its location, which include Place de la Bastille and Place de la Republique, each station is composed in configurations ranging between 5 to 20 blocks. The outcome is that each composition is unique, some looking like a set of steps, or simply a series of tetris levels. Think bench, but a gamified version!
So, the invitation is to try them out and improvise a posture and go with it. Maybe that's sitting, leaning, lying-down. When I went along to do a spot of people watching one day, I caught sight of some of these improvised moves (or I might say, stationaries), haha! So as I have, maybe you'll spot the inline-skater, crouched, knees high, engrossed reading a novel; or girlfriends, improvising their Mikado as a tabletop, for an equally improvised picnic.
Thanks to Wilfrid Duval from Urbaparis for posing, who makes urban reportage in French.
About this spot
Place de la Republique
- 24 hours daily
€
no-price
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Espace Niemeyer
Headquarters of the PCF
"Espace Niemeyer" in Paris is home to the French Communist Party, but also a space dedicated to artistic expression and creative architecture...
by
Alix
Mengin
Clos Montmartre
A hidden vineyard in Paris
"Clos Montmartre" is one of five remaining vineyards in central Paris! Their presence dates back to the 10th century...
by
Alix
Mengin
Cimetière du Montparnasse
A green cemetery
"Cimetière du Montparnasse" is not only a cemetery but also one of Paris' biggest green spaces. Many world-famous people are buried here, too...
by
Alix
Mengin
Beaupassage
An open-air food court
The "Beaupassage" in Paris is just as much a space dedicated to food as it is to nature and art. It's a 10,000 m² courtyard completed in 2018...
by
Alix
Mengin
Le Réservoir de Montsouris
Water in Paris
"Le Réservoir de Montsouris" is the biggest water reservoir in Paris. It's a truly impressive structure that's more than 150 years old...
by
Alix
Mengin
Librairie Galignani
A bookstore with a history
"Librairie Galignani" in Paris is a bookshop with a long history and is without a doubt one of the city's most beautiful!
by
Alix
Mengin
La Ferme d’Alexandre
Cheese lovers’ paradise
"La Ferme d’Alexandre" is a cheeseshop like no other in Paris. With their over 350 types of cheeses, they've made it all the way to the Elysée Palace...
by
Alix
Mengin
Théâtre de La Huchette
Spectacle Ionesco
"Théâtre de La Huchette" in Paris is known for its Spectacle Ionesco, which has hosted performances of the famous Romanian playwright since 1957...
by
Alix
Mengin
Promenade Plantée
A walk on the Viaduc des arts
The "Promenade Plantée" in Paris is a 4.5-km corridor that's 10m above ground that will take you from the Place de la Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes...
by
Alix
Mengin
La Mouette Rieuse
Out of the box bookshop
"La Mouette Rieuse" in Paris is an atypical bookshop. I like it because of the books & gadgets one can find there. I always find it surprising & joyful!
Ourcq Neighbourhood
Street art
The neighbourhood of Ourcq in Paris hosts the Ourcq Living Colors Festival every year. The street art pieces change annually, so come see what's new!
Swiss Cultural Centre
Culture, books, exhibits
The "Swiss Cultural Centre" in Le Marais, Paris is a welcome change of pace from the global brands surrounding it, a jewel of foreign culture in the city.
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
