Invasion in Amiens

Spring 2025 marks a new chapter in the urban conquest of the famous street artist Invader, who has set his sights on the city of Amiens, in the Hauts-de-France region. After having "invaded" more than 80 cities around the world (87 to be exact) — from Paris to Tokyo, including Los Angeles and Marrakech — it is now the turn of this Picard city, known for its Gothic cathedral and rich cultural heritage, to become the playground of the masked artist and his pixelated mosaics.

Mosaic by street artist Invader installed in Amiens.

A Proper “Invasion”

As always, Invader doesn’t announce his arrival — he strikes. In Amiens, around thirty works were discreetly installed throughout the month of June, covering various neighborhoods, from the historic city center to more residential areas.

Each piece is a wall mosaic made of colorful ceramic tiles, depicting characters inspired by 8-bit video games, particularly Space Invaders, but also featuring elements specific to the host city. In Amiens, one can spot nods to Jules Verne, the city’s famous former resident, as well as to the Notre-Dame d’Amiens Cathedral, whose Gothic architecture has been reimagined in pixel form.

Mosaic by street artist Invader installed in Amiens.

An Urban and Digital Artwork

Each installation is photographed, geolocated, and given a symbolic score (usually 10 or 50 points), much like in a life-sized video game.

Beyond the playful aspect, Invader’s project challenges our relationship with urban space, art, and the digital world. Though discreet, his mosaics redefine the way we see the city: they compel us to scan façades, corners, and rooftops. Art is no longer confined to galleries — it becomes mobile, playful, and participatory.

A Warm Reception

The response from the people of Amiens has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media quickly lit up with posts about discovering an Invader on this or that building, along with debates about the meaning behind certain works. The city council welcomed what it called an “original artistic initiative” that fits perfectly with Amiens’ cultural momentum, as a city officially recognized as a “City of Art and History.”

Some teachers even took advantage of the event to organize Invader hunts with their students, turning urban art into a learning tool. Local shopkeepers also saw an influx of curious visitors eager to “scan” the mosaics near their storefronts, creating an unexpected boost in local tourism.

Mosaic by street artist Invader installed in Amiens.

An Illegal… Yet Tolerated Work?

As always with Invader, the question of legality arises. The artist works without permission, anonymously, often at night. Technically, his interventions fall under vandalism. Yet, as in Paris or Marseille, Invader's works are rarely removed. They’ve become cultural landmarks—almost part of the city’s heritage.

In Amiens, no removals have been reported so far. In fact, some rumors suggest the city might even consider an official collaboration with the artist, following the example of other municipalities that have come to recognize the artistic and touristic value of his mosaics.

A New Star in the Invader Galaxy

The invasion of Amiens adds to a sprawling body of work that now exceeds 4,000 mosaics installed worldwide. It also illustrates the enduring nature of a project that began in the late 1990s—at a time when street art had yet to gain real artistic recognition.

By targeting Amiens, Invader reminds us that any city can become a canvas, any wall a medium, and any passerby a potential player. With his tiny ceramic tiles and nostalgic nods to geek culture, he continues to scatter pixelated poetry throughout the concrete jungles of our cities.

More Than Art — A Shared Experience

Invader’s Amiens invasion is more than just an artistic event: it’s a collective experience, a life-sized game, and a quiet tribute to the city and its culture. By blending the codes of street art, video games, and local heritage, Invader transforms our urban routines into playful, contemplative adventures.

Now it’s your turn to look up… and play.