What's Giant Kermit Doing in Paris? He's Making "Guest Appearances" at Art Basel Paris 2025

Even though Paris is still reeling from the Louvre raid, life—especially art—goes on. And when a giant frog named Kermit appears on the famous Place Vendôme… you know something's up.

Although the topic of Paris has been appearing for several days mainly in the context of the break-in at the Louvre and the theft of precious jewels from the most visited museum in the world , we cannot forget about other events in the capital of Paris .

When it comes to artistic matters, there will be a lot going on in the near future, as the next edition of Art Basel Paris , a prestigious contemporary art fair that brings together exhibitions from galleries from all over the world, starts on October 24th.

This year's Art Basel Paris is starting. Photo: Leo SERRAT / Unsplash

Theoretically, the main part of the event takes place in the Grand Palais , but during the fair, the whole of Paris turns into one big art museum, and you can find intriguing art installations all over the city.

This year, Art Basel Paris is taking place for the fourth time, although the edition will not be the easiest for exhibitors and security services.

More than 200 galleries from around 40 countries will be participating in the main part of the event, and they are not very optimistic about the recent events at the Louvre .

Just a few days ago, a group of robbers broke into the famous museum and stole jewelry estimated to be worth around $100 million . However, event organizers are trying to reassure attendees.

- The safety and security of our exhibitors, guests and teams are an absolute priority - they told the AFP agency.

Perhaps everyone's mood will be lifted by... a giant frog that has stood in Place Vendôme .

Inflatable Kermit at Place Vendome in Paris. Photo: Luc Castel / Getty Images

As part of the event, giant sculptures and art installations will be placed in central Paris . Among them are large-scale sculptures by contemporary artists such as Leiko Ikemura (Japan), Wang Keping (China), and Thomas Houseago (Great Britain). The most attention-grabbing item, however, is... Kermit .

“Kermit the Frog, Even” is a 20-foot-tall inflatable installation by Venezuelan-American artist Alex Da Corte depicting the green hero from “The Muppet Show.”

Alex Da Corte, Kermit The Frog, Place Vendôme, Paris, 2025 (Courtesy of the artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London) Photo: Press materials / Art Basel

The frog appears slightly deflated, and the lowered head is said to be a tribute to the American television network PBS , where the Muppets debuted in the 1970s and which is currently struggling with budget cuts. It is also a symbol of transience.

Will the giant frog from the cartoon lift the spirits of the people of Paris ? We hope so.