This is the good news this summer, the majestic Long Ma is returning to Nantes! News that will delight Nantes residents young and old at the idea of seeing the creature wandering around Nantes again. We tell you everything.
60th anniversary of Franco-Chinese relations
Long Ma or Loong Ma, means the dragon horse. It was created by François Delaroziere and Compagnie La Machine in 2014 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between France and China.
In 2024, we are therefore celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Franco-Chinese relationship and with it the return of Long Ma to Nantes.
Every day, she wakes up in the construction site park and comes across the Great Elephant.
She is the emissary of the goddess Nüwa who in Chinese mythology shaped women and men and saved them.
Faced with the danger triggered by the childish quarrel of the gods, Nüwa observes men from the 9th floor of the sky. The goddess commissions Long Ma to travel the world and cities to meet them to watch over them.
Long Ma measures 12 meters high, 5 meters wide and weighs 45 tonnes. It is made of wood and steel. Surprisingly agile, it walks, gallops, rears and can lie down. His eyes open and close. Its neck rises and falls, swings from right to left. Its nostrils spit smoke and its mouth fire. She has a pearl hidden at the back of her throat. She breathes, her ribcage inflates under the pressure of her lungs. Its hooves are extended by claws.
Practical information
From July 10 to 21, 2024 at the Parc des Chantiers on the island of Nantes
3 wake-ups per day (release on July 13 and 17). Nocturnal on July 15, 20 and 21.
