PARIS IS A MASTERPIECE WAITING TO BE EXPLORED
December 8, 2023.
A plethora of museums await in this haven, providing both enthusiasts and connoisseurs with a visual feast. We made our list of some of the ones that you must see, with some we know and love, but saved the ones which we enjoy as locals towards the very end ;-)
At the Louvre Museum, you'll encounter world-renowned treasures and influential artworks. Highlights include the enigmatic Mona Lisa, the graceful Venus de Milo, and captivating Egyptian antiquities that transport you to the realm of pharaohs. Ascend to the winged victory of Samothrace for sheer beauty. The Galerie d'Apollon, our favourite wing, showcases King Louis XIV's commissioned apartment, home to the French Crown jewels amid paintings and ornate gold ceilings featuring cosmic carvings.
Nestled along the banks of the Seine, the Musée d'Orsay is a monument to the genius of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters. Admire the enchantment of Monet's Water Lilies, where the interplay of light and shadow dances upon serene ponds, in the galleries lined with other masterworks. Van Gogh comes to life, his brushstrokes tumbling with energy. Warmth and closeness emanate from Renoir's portraits, allowing you to see into his subjects' souls. Each work of art conveys a tale about the times the artists lived in: a period of invention, disobedience, and an unwavering quest to capture the ephemeral beauty of the world.
The Centre Pompidou, an unconventional structure in Paris, stands as a beacon of contemporary art. Its inside-out architecture, featuring translucent walls, colourful escalators, and exposed pipes, symbolises a commitment to breaking boundaries and welcoming all to explore modern art's limitless possibilities. Inside, a vibrant mix of paintings, sculptures, interactive installations, and multimedia displays forms a diverse tapestry that sparks imagination. Hosting global artists and their bold ideas, the museum offers an eclectic array of concepts and ideologies. Plus, the unobstructed city views from the building's top are a definite highlight.
Bernard Arnault, LVMH chairman, oversees a rare privately funded Parisian art gallery designed by architect Frank Gehry. Situated in the tranquil 16th arrondissement, its whimsical sailboat-like structure on an artificial lake in Bois de Boulogne attracts visitors with its striking architecture and popular exhibits. The Fondation offers unique tours and courses, aiming to provide visitors with a thought-provoking experience of art and architecture.
The Petit Palais, though small compared to others, holds an impressive art collection, a great gift store, and free entry (with a small fee for temporary exhibitions). It features a serene garden with a charming tea room, allowing for a comprehensive visit in a couple of hours. Built for the 1900 Paris World Fair, its four wings surround a beautiful garden with an intricate arcade. Notably, the main exhibition halls boast breathtaking ornamental murals that took twenty years to complete, alongside stunning tiled floors by mosaic artisan Giandomenico Facchina and an entrance adorned with stained glass windows by architect Charles Girault.
Architect Tadao Ando restored and remodelled the historic building to create a magnificent art museum that now houses the Pinault Collection. It serves as a centre for modern art shows that feature pieces by different artists and art movements. Particularly remarkable is the circular exhibition area under the dome, which offers a distinctive setting for viewing modern art.
The Musée Picasso resides in the Hôtel Salé, an exquisite 17th-century estate nestled in the vibrant Marais neighbourhood. Housing the legacy of Pablo Picasso, this museum transcends its historic setting. Visitors flock to witness Picasso's unparalleled impact on art through carefully curated exhibitions and preserved collections that offer an intimate view of the artist's experimentation and genius. Beyond its exceptional collection, the museum's location in the bustling Marais district adds to its allure, surrounded by creativity, fashionable shops, and delightful dining options.
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, housed in a historic 17th-century landmark designed by François Mansart, delves into humanity's intricate relationship with animals. Originally a private museum, it expanded in 2007 to include the adjacent Hôtel de Mongelas. The museum's allure lies in its diverse art collections and magnificent architecture, curated over nearly fifty years. Recognized by the French Ministry of Culture as a "Musée de France," it stands as a vital institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing France's cultural and historical heritage.
The Musée Rodin offers a serene escape within the city, celebrating the legacy of sculptor Auguste Rodin. His generous gift to the French government in 1916 led to the establishment of the museum in the magnificent Hôtel Biron. Visitors can wander through the museum's charming gardens adorned with Rodin's iconic sculptures, experiencing a harmonious blend of art and nature that allows for contemplation and appreciation of the sculptures in a tranquil setting.
The Jeu de Paume museum, contrasting with the famed l'Orangerie, holds a mysterious and rich history dating back to 1862. Originally a court for a precursor to tennis under Napoleon III's patronage, its architecture harmonises seamlessly with the adjacent Orangerie, intentionally designed for symmetry. Today, the museum serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, offering diverse programmes that provide artists with a platform to engage with contemporary visual arts, making it a compelling destination for visitors to explore this dynamic art world.
In a country where art and culture hold such profound significance in people's lives, our selection of 10 museums merely scratches the surface. Stay tuned as we unveil more cherished favourites with diverse themes, exploring cultural gems waiting to be shared.