Jeff Koons' Bouquet of Tulips is a profound gesture of solidarity and remembrance for the victims of the 2015 and 2016 terrorist attacks in Paris. Announced in November 2016, the sculpture was a collaborative effort initiated by Jane D. Hartley, the United States ambassador to France at that time, seeking to create a memorial that would symbolize hope and resilience in the face of tragedy​ (Jeff Koons)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

The sculpture, produced in Germany, represents one of Koons' largest and most ambitious projects, with production and installation costs reaching approximately 3.5 million euros. This sum was raised through private donations by a non-profit foundation, Fonds Pour Paris, and its American counterpart, the Paris Foundation. Notable contributors to the project include Bernard Arnault, Leon and Debra Black, Kenneth C. Griffin, Leonard Lauder, and Ralph Schlosstein. Koons himself contributed $1 million to the project due to an increase in production costs caused by delays​ (Wikipedia)​.

Initially, the Bouquet of Tulips was proposed to be placed in front of the Palais de Tokyo, chosen by Koons for its symbolic value. However, the site was eventually changed due to structural concerns and criticisms regarding its connection to the terror attacks. The sculpture faced controversy and opposition from French artists, cultural figures, and the public, who viewed the gift as opportunistic. Despite the challenges, the sculpture was ultimately installed between Place de la Concorde and the Petit Palais, close to the United States Embassy, a location selected for its significant cultural and historical value​ (Wikipedia)​.

The Bouquet of Tulips stands as a complex symbol of Franco-American friendship and shared grief over the loss suffered from the terrorist attacks, embodying a message of hope and recovery in the heart of Paris. Its journey from conception to installation reflects the intricacies of public art projects, especially those meant to heal and memorialize​ (Wikipedia)​.