Invader Ground Zero – Paris, France - Atlas Obscura

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Invader Ground Zero

A tribute shrine where the Space Invasion street art movement started. 

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In the heart of the 11th arrondissement of Paris, tucked away in a narrow alleyway, lies a small tribute that pays homage to one of the city’s most iconic street artists, Invader. This spot is special because it’s where the first Invader piece was placed, a mosaic tile work known as PA_01.

Invader, a French artist whose identity remains anonymous, is famous for his pixelated mosaic tile art inspired by the classic video game Space Invaders. He began his “invasion” of Paris in the late 1990s, and since then, his works have spread to cities all around the world.

The tribute spot to Invader is a narrow passage located on Passage de la Main d’Or, just a few meters from where PA_01 was first installed. The passage is adorned with dozens of mosaic tiles, each one a tribute to one of Invader’s works. Some of the tiles are exact replicas of Invader’s original pieces, while others are interpretations or original creations inspired by his style.

The tribute spot is a popular destination for fans of Invader’s work, who come from all over the world to pay their respects and add their own contributions to the wall. The tiles are constantly changing, as new ones are added and old ones are replaced. Some of the tiles are signed by their creators, while others are anonymous. For devoted fans or for those who are lucky enough to stumble upon it by chance, it’s a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the vibrant and ever-evolving world of street art. 

Know Before You Go

Invader Ground Zero is in a public street, so it's open 24/7. It's a few blocks away from either metro's line 8 (Ledru-Rollin station) or line 9 (Voltaire).


When visiting, you'll be able to see two original Invader's pieces:


- PA_47 in the intersection of Passage de la Main d'Or and Rue de la Main d'Or


- PA_133 located up the wall near the shrine


While the original location of PA_01 remains at 4 Passage de la Main d'Or in Paris, the artwork is no longer visible due to being covered during repairs to the building's facade, making it a real invader fossil.

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May 11, 2023

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