It's the post you all have been waiting for - the one where I actually start to talk about things I’ve actually done in Paris, rather than drone on about my “introspective” thoughts on living in another culture! *cue collective sigh of relief*
So for the post I’m going to talk museums, and more specifically 3 art museums that I have seen so far during my escapades around Paris.
The Louvre
Ok, the first museum I visited in Paris was the Louvre (aka the one with the glass pyramids and the surprisingly small painting of a women who’s looking at you like she knows something that you don’t know).
I had previously visited the Louvre when I was in Paris back in 2007. However, the Louvre is so big that you could visit it multiple times and still not see half of the artwork. It also has a lot of different sections with diverse artwork. There’s the European Renaissance art, the sculptures, the Egyptian and African art sections, the Islamic art section, and Napoleon’s Apartment (you know, the guy who conquered all of Europe because he was compensating for something).
For me, my favorite sections are the Egyptian and African sections, the Islamic art section, and Napoleon’s apartment. I don’t love the European art section. Here’s the reason: It’s constantly crowded, thanks to that little old painting called the Mona Lisa (or La Joconde in french, which will help you follow the signs). Additionally, I find it to be a little boring. Don’t get me wrong, the talent of artists is phenomenal and clearly evident. But where’s the creativity? I’m constantly thinking “oh woah, another picture of a fat naked lady with a bowl of grapes next to her…or wow, look at that totally original, never been done before biblical scene”. It’s just not for me.
PS: Really find the Mona Lisa incredible? Well, I personally think you would have a better experience buying a poster and admiring it in the privacy of your own home. Why? No elbows in your face, no flashes in your eyes from the cameras, and less b.o. wafting into your nose. The crowds are pretty ridiculous.
Musée d’Orsay
Excuse me if I geek out a little for this next one, but this museum ROCKS. If you only have time for one museum during your stay in Paris, go to this museum.
The Musée d’Orsay is best known for its impressionist and post-impressionist collections featuring artwork by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, and lots of other incredible french painters.
The museum itself was once an old train station that has since been renovated. The building alone is gorgeous, but the artwork adds a final touch. I’m going to let the artwork speak for itself, so enjoy some pictures of the artwork I took while I was there
Right now, there is an exhibition going on about prostitution during the late 1800′s in Paris. Apparently, a lot of the big artists and writers of the time focused their work on prostitution. Read the NYT article here. I was able to visit this exposition last weekend, and it was definitely interesting to check out. If you think you're not really interested in coming across photographs or paintings of naked prostitutes, don't worry. The more racy parts of the exhibition are in very well marked 18+ rooms. Don't go in if that's not your thing. Everything in the main exhibition area is much more subdued. I believe this particular exhibition is open until January 2016.
PS: Afterwords, head to the Seine, conveniently located right next it, and walk along the banks admiring the view of the city.
Musée National Picasso
This museum, recently reopened and on the smaller side, is great to visit if you can make time for it. It’s located in the Marais, which was once a historically Jewish quarter. The Marais is now full of shops, cafes, and is super cute.
The museum itself houses artwork from Picasso and from other artists who were part of the cubisme movement. While I can’t say that I understand that artwork, it certainly is interesting to look at. A relatively small museum, you can see all of the artwork in one trip.
PS: Afterwards, treat yo’self to Paris’ best falafel at L’As du Falafel, also located in the Marais… even if you’re reading this, scratching your head, and thinking, “Falafels? What are those???”. Just do it.
Museum Tips
The first Sunday of each month, all museums are open to the public for free. Yahoo! DO NOT GO TO THE LOUVRE. The lines are horrendous. On such a day, go to one of the less well known museums, such as the Picasso museum.
If you’re under 25 and are an EU citizen, it’s free to go to museums! For us Americans, it is just a reduced price. However, tell them you are a student in a university in the EU. Bring a copy of your university card (if you have one). If not, bring a copy of the front page of your passport, and a copy of your visa. Since I don’t have my European university card yet, I’ve been using that and have gotten in everywhere for free with no problem. It may help if you speak french, people tend to be nicer.
Typically, some museums in Paris will stay open late into the evening on Tuesdays. Not many people know this, so it is much less crowded! Check out the website to see if the museum has a day where it stays open late.
Till next time,
Elyse
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