From December 15, 2026 to February 13, 2027, the frozen lake of Tignes It will host an artistic installation that is at least unusual. Called «Here begins the ocean,» it will be located under the ice at an altitude of 2,100 meters, featuring works representing several emblematic species of cold seas. This project was conceived by painter Laurence Chilin and polar explorer Alban Michon.
In Tignes, this winter you will have to look under your feet. The lake in the resort will become the setting for an exhibition announced as a world premiere, at the border between art, the mountains and environmental awareness.
For nearly two months, creations will be immersed under the frozen surface. Polar bear, beluga whale, humpback whale, emperor seal or even Greenland shark will take up residence in this natural setting, in the heart of the Savoyard resort.
Works submerged beneath the frozen lake
The project, titled «Here begins the ocean,» is spearheaded by painter Laurence Chilin, in collaboration with Alban Michon, a polar explorer accustomed to extreme environments.
The animals will be represented on plexiglas plates immersed under the ice. Thanks to the transparency of the support and the light filtering through the lake, the creations must blend into their surroundings and evolve visually according to the conditions.
The idea goes beyond the mere aesthetic dimension. Through these silhouettes drawn from the cold oceans, the two project leaders wish to create a link between the alpine glaciers, water and marine ecosystems.
The exhibition will continue until the end of April
The submerged part will be visible from December 15, 2026, to February 13, 2027. From that date, the device will change shape.
The works will then be placed around the lake to make way for an educational trail accessible to all until April 30, 2027. Art, science, and awareness are to be involved to explain the relationships between glaciers, the water cycle, and the oceans.
With this installation, Tignes adds an unprecedented cultural event to already a season rich in new features. It is also a way of reminding us that, even at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, the mountain remains directly linked to the major water and climate balances.