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
Le Bistrot de Longchamp
Portuguese restaurant
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Venus sur Cour
Ancient erotic shop
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Les Mots à la Bouche
LGTB bookshop
"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
La Belle Iloise
Canned fish, top quality
"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Nomade
Beyond just great coffee
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
by
Paul
Wright
Music Avenue Paris
The music drugstore
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
by
Paul
Wright
Le Silence de La Rue
A visual and sonic palace
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
by
Paul
Wright
Les Brutalistes
Architectural leather accessories
Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
by
Paul
Wright
Vinyl Office
Black artists on vinyl
The records sitting in the racks at Vinyl Office make it seem like someone's prized personal collection, with a special focus on black music!
by
Paul
Wright
Gardens of the Quai Branly Museum
Exotic oasis
The "Gardens of the Quai Branly Museum" in Paris are next to the Eiffel Tower. What I love the most about them is that they're for free! Not to be missed.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Modern Art Museum of Paris
Contemporary art
The "Modern Art Museum of Paris" is free, which, as it so happens, means fewer tourists! Come here to enjoy some Modigliani, Picasso or Matisse in peace...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
The Zouave of the River Seine
Famous statue
"The Zouave of the River Seine" is a statue on the Alma bridge that's become famous; Parisians come here to see how high the waters are compared to it...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
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:
