Paris: Dalida statue vandalized again two weeks after its restoration

The bust of Dalida in Montmartre has regained its characteristic golden hue, just two weeks after being repainted by the city. The sculpture, restored on July 25th, already displayed its usual glossy patina on the torso by August 10th. This rapid return to its previous state raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of the maintenance work carried out by the City of Paris on this iconic monument in the 18th arrondissement.

This accelerated deterioration stems from a now ritualistic practice: thousands of visitors stroke the statue's chest each year, believing it brings good luck. These repeated gestures have gradually worn away the original paint, revealing the underlying gilded metal. The Parisian municipality had, however, undertaken a restoration project at the end of July aimed at restoring the artwork to its original appearance, after nearly thirty years of exposure to the elements and repeated contact.

A tradition that defies restorations

The sculpture is now approaching forty years of existence in Parisian public spaces. Local authorities are faced with a dilemma: preserve the monument's artistic integrity or accept this gradual transformation, which has become an integral part of its popular identity. The repainting of July 25th ultimately lasted less than a month in the hands of admirers of the singer who died in 1987.