The Musée Quai Branly is unlike any other museum in Paris. The entrance hall is vast, grey and somewhat bare. There are a few statues and hanging prints, but the main focus is the giant black tube in the center of the atrium. At first glance, the museum appears to be built around an enormous … Continue reading »
The Musée Carnavalet
In 1853, Emperor Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (Napoléon III) commissioned a modernization program to be headed by the Seine prefect, Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann. History calls this period, “Haussmannization,” the “Haussman plan,” the “rebuilding of Paris,” and the “reconstruction of Paris.” They usually forget the name, “the destruction of Paris.” In order to redesign the city, Baron Haussmann … Continue reading »
Wedge Sneakers — Do or don’t?
Wedge sneakers are all the rage in Paris. Thanks to Paris-based designer Isabel Marant, you can’t walk a single block without seeing at least ten pairs in motion. I was SO against them. I kept telling myself that I would not capitulate. But of course, I was curious. I eyed them during multiple visits to … Continue reading »
The Louvre’s new Département des Arts d’Islam
The Louvre opened their Département des Arts d’Islam on September 22nd. I’ve been so busy with school, but I finally got to see it today! Of course with my luck, my first free day in ages happened to fall on the first Sunday of the month (free admission day). Never again. Couldn’t walk/breathe/think in there. But … Continue reading »
Cabinet des Curiosités, or “Ooh, what the hell is that?” A trip to the Musée Fragonard
This past Thursday I took a trip to the Musée Fragonard. Of course, when I first heard that I was heading to the Musée Fragonard, I assumed that it was the perfume museum near the Palais Garnier. When I was told that it wasn’t, I then thought that it was a museum dedicated to the hedonistic … Continue reading »
Behind the scenes at the Musée d’art moderne de la ville de Paris
The Musée d’art moderne de la ville de Paris is a truly spectacular exhibition space. Situated next to the Palais de Tokyo, the cavernous space is home to an impressive permanent collection of modern masters, such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Along with the permanent collections, the museum hosts up to twelve temporary exhibitions per … Continue reading »
Wim Delvoye au Louvre
On most days, the Napoléon III apartments at the Louvre are a perfectly preserved representation of Second Empire decorative arts. They remain behind velvet ropes, untouched and frozen in time. The 18ème siècle rococo style, with its ornately carved and gilded wood, sumptuous velvet furnishings, intricate stucco work and ceiling frescoes celebrating the Empire, allows the museum’s … Continue reading »
“I can show you a better way to burn off a croissant,” and other fun things about French fitness
I joined a gym. In fact, I joined a super awesome gym. I assumed that going to a posh French gym would be quite similar to going to my posh NY gym. I was wrong. Here’s the rundown for Le Klay Club (4bis, rue Saint Saveur, 75002): The first thing you need to know about … Continue reading »
An open letter to the men of Europe
Dear Men of Europe, I understand that it’s summer. It’s hot outside, and it’s remarkably warm for Paris in August. I understand that it’s so hot that you don’t want to wear pants. That’s fine. But did you know that stores sell a garment that’s just for summer? It’s an unbelievable discovery, I know (you … Continue reading »
Paris in pictures: part deux
I’m behind the shutter again. Enjoy!
