Big White Balloons in Lyon’s Place Des Terreaux

Anyone walking through Lyon’s central Place des Terreaux might be wondering what all those big white balloons are all about (see photo). I certainly wondered when I saw them there last week; filling up the square like big white beach balls floating out at sea. The artist probably wouldn’t appreciate my little simile, but that’s what they looked like to me. In pursuit of further information, I walked around the square until I found  an information card, and was a bit surprised when I discovered the vision of the artists that had created the display. Basically, the balloons represent air, but the part that tipped my head towards my shoulder in juxtaposed confusion, was the display of balloons (air, clean air!) have been created as a message of appreciation to the chemical industry, “for endeavoring to find solution to protect our planet”! (?). So, (apparently) thank you to the chemical industry for keeping our air clean, and if you would like to show your appreciation, you can view the exhibit, not only in Lyon’s  Place des Terreaux, but also simultaneously in Paris, Lille and Marseille!