Giant inflatable Kermit the frog unveiled in Paris

"Kermit the Frog, Even is a 20-metre blow-up figure by Venezuelan-US artist Alex Da Corte - with its head deflated at the artist's request."

"Its head is deflated as "a way of paying tribute to US public broadcaster PBS", which aired the Muppet Show in the 1970s and is now "facing drastic budget cuts", explained Art Basel Paris director Clement Delepine."

"More than 200 galleries from around 40 countries are expected to take part in the main event from Friday to Sunday under the huge glass dome roof of the Grand Palais in Paris."

""The safety and protection of our exhibitors, visitors and teams is an absolute priority," Art Basel Paris told AFP, pointing to "comprehensive security measures"."

Kermit the Frog, Even is a 20-metre inflatable by Venezuelan-US artist Alex Da Corte displayed in the Place Vendome with its head deflated at the artist's request. The deflation serves as a tribute to US public broadcaster PBS, which aired the Muppet Show in the 1970s and is facing drastic budget cuts. Art Basel Paris will host more than 200 galleries from around 40 countries under the Grand Palais dome. Monumental works by artists including Wang Keping, Stefan Rinck, Leiko Ikemura and Thomas Houseago have been installed across central Paris. Organisers cite comprehensive security measures after recent high-profile thefts.

Read at The Local France