Buoyed by the intense interest in its Jeff Koons contemporary art show last year, France's Chateau de Versailles has unveiled this week the first piece of this year's exhibit: A dynamic sculpture depicting a team of bright purple cube-like horses pulling a carriage.

This fall, Versailles will host an exhibition by contemporary French artist Xavier Veilhan, who was at the chateau west of Paris on Thursday to unveil the initial work.

"This is a project that is dynamic, classical, open and universal, aiming to establish a new bond between visitors to the place and the spaces they come into contact with," the Lyon-born, Paris-based artist said in a statement.

The full exhibit, featuring pieces Vielhan conceived specifically for display in the chateau and out in the famous gardens, will be installed from Sept. 13 to Dec. 13.

In 2008, Versailles made headlines for hosting the first contemporary exhibit of this kind and choosing controversial U.S. pop artist Koons for the inaugural edition.

Koons placed 17 of his eye-popping sculptures and installations — including his infamous Michael Jackson and Bubbles as well as his brilliantly coloured Balloon Dog and Lobster — both indoors and in the gardens, often juxtaposed with the chateau's more traditional artistic offerings.

The show drew criticism from some, including those who blasted the decision and said Koons's outrageous artwork didn't belong at the former royal palace.

However, it was also considered a massive success with the general public, drawing more than 250,000 people in the first two months. Officials decided to extend the show by nearly a month. It closed in January.