This past week in Paris was cool weather-wise – I wore a sweater and jacket every day – but it was sizzling as usual in the culture department. No matter what time of year, there is always something interesting going on in Paris. So if you are planning to be there in the next few days, weeks or months, you might want to check out a few of these art exhibitions, cultural happenings and even special foodie events. (Some of the offerings are completely fun and unexpected – very French! – so be sure and scroll down to see them all. Links are provided for more info.)
Art Exhibitions
Musée d’Orsay – “Une Passion française – La Collection Spencer et Marlene Hays” (The Collection of Marlene and Spencer Hays – A French Passion). 5, Quai Anatole France, 75007 Paris. These American art collectors from Nashville share their magnificent trove of French Impressionist and early modern art works, many of which are returning to France for the first time since their creation. Until August 18.
Decorative Arts Museum – “La mécanique des dessous, une histoire indiscrète de la silhouette” (Behind the Seams. An indiscreet look at the mechanics of Fashion). 107, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. This intriguing exhibition explores the variety of undergarments that have molded the body from the 14th century to the present. A ground-breaking show with never before exhibited pieces from the museum’s fashion collection. Opens this week, until November 24.
Poster courtesy of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Musée Maillol – “Fragile – Murano: Chefs-d’oeuvre de Verre de la Renaissance au XXIe siècle” (Fragile – Murano: Masterpieces in Glass from the Renaissance to the 21st Century). 59-61 Rue de Grenelle 75007 Paris. Move over Chihuly. This incredible exhibition features more than 200 fine works in glass from the workshops of Murano, Italy. From exquisite pieces made for 15th century Europe’s greatest families to flamboyant Baroque creations to Art Deco and modern works, this special exhibition is not to be missed. Until July 28.
Musée Rodin – “Rodin, La Chair, Le Marbre” (Rodin, Flesh and Marble). 79, rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris. This exceptional show takes a close look at marble in the hands of the expert sculptor Rodin and how this material comes closest to simulating human flesh in sculpture. An amazing art exhibition in three dimensions. Until September 1.
Musée du Luxembourg – “Chagall, Entre Guerre et Paix” (Chagall, Between War and Peace). 19, rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris. This special exhibition features more than 100 works of Chagall focusing on the imagery of war and peace in his unique allegorical style. Until July 21.
Centre Pompidou – “Roy Lichtenstein”. 19, rue Beaubourg, 75004 Paris. Lovers of pop art will enjoy this retrospective devoted to Roy Lichtenstein and his art based on cartoon images and advertising. In partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Tate Modern in London. Opens this week, until November 4.
Cultural Happenings
Luxembourg Gardens – “Le Tour de France”. Rue de Medicis, 75006 Paris. To help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Tour de France bike race this year, the French Senate has sponsored this special photo exhibition on the iron gates of the Luxembourg Gardens. Fabulous photos in a fantastic location in Paris. Until July 27.
Tuileries Gardens – “Sur les pas d’André Le Nôtre aux Tuileries” (André Le Nôtre Walk in the Tuileries Gardens). This garden walk in the Tuileries next to the Louvre commemorates the 400th anniversary of the birth of French garden designer, André le Nôtre. Special signs indicate the garden elements Le Nôtre brought to life in the Tuileries, a place particularly special to the designer as he was born, lived and died on the grounds of this former royal complex. Until September 30.
All Over Paris – “Play Me, I’m Yours – Paris 2013” is about to wind up its second tour in the French capital. British artist Luke Jerram has come back to Paris to place 48 pianos all over the city and invite the public to play anything at any moment. I passed by this piano in the 6th arrondissement a few days ago – a couple of young French girls were having a ball playing the instrument for everyone passing by. Until July 9.
Sainte Chapelle – Classical music concerts take place in this spectacular venue nearly every day from late spring until early fall each year (with a break in August for vacation). If you’ve never treated yourself to choral or chamber music in this space, be sure and reserve time on your Paris calendar for this next time you are there. Click here for the current schedule.
Foodie Events
Gourmet purveyors Fauchon and Dalloyau have put out their ‘summer collection’ of goodies. Be sure to stop by one of their shops to try an array of creative sweet treats.
Berthillon – This famous ice cream shop on the Ile St. Louis was doing a booming business this past Sunday. The line outside was a testament to the popularity of its incredible ice cream offerings and the finally warm temperatures outside. Crazy too were the long lines at other shops on the Ile St. Louis that carry Berthillon – I still make a point to go to the mother ship at 31, rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, 75004 Paris. Note that while Berthillon will be closed from July 22 to September 3 for vacation and renovations, they will still be supplying ice cream to their ‘resellers’!
Bon été! ~ Happy Summer!