Real mammoth skeleton part of Strasbourg water show

The complete skeleton, including huge tusks, was bought by Pierre-Etienne Bindschedler, chairman of Strasbourg-based company Soprema, in December 2017. It was originally intended for display in the foyer of the company, whose logo includes a mammoth.

Discovered 10 years ago in Siberia, the skeleton is estimated to be between 12,000 and 15,000 years old; weighs 1,400 kg, and measures over three metres long and five metres high.

Now, it is to form part of a new art exhibition and water show named Mammuthus Volantes, by the Lyon-based artist Jacques Rival, as part of the l’Industrie Magnifique artistic festival taking place across the city from May 3.

It has been hung six metres off the ground, above a series of water jets, which will form part of a sound, light and water show by the Aquatique Show company, taking place every hour throughout the festival.

The skeleton was assembled piece-by-piece, and then encased within a transparent cube, to protect it from water and weather conditions.

Mr Rival, creator of the project, said: “It is a real team effort. The work will give life to the mammoth, through the magic of water, and bring together the knowledge of the two companies [Aquatique Show and Soprema].”

He added: “I wanted to bring great lightness to this imposing piece, so that it does not appear in the usual way, as it would normally be shown in a museum. I did not want the interpretation to be too rigid. It’s not everyday that you have chance to showcase a mammoth skeleton.”

The aim of the wider l'Industrie Magnifique festival is to demonstrate how business and industry in the Grand Est region can intersect with public art.

It is set to attract hundreds of artists from all over the world, and also includes 24 pieces of original art - supported by 24 different business sponsors - displayed in 17 separate locations around the city.