Once a grand railway station, the beautiful Musée d’Orsay seemed destined to house artwork that would complement its stunning architecture and interior design. However, it was not until 1977 that the building became a museum, hosting the Impressionist collection from the Musée de Luxembourg. But before these artworks found their way to d’Orsay, they were rejected by the Musée ... Read More »
The unusual team of two French thieves and a Japanese gangster resulted in a five year heist of the painting, Impression, Sunrise only to be recovered and permanently displayed at this museum, the Musée Marmottan Monet, alongside other stolen notables. However, the great boast of the museum is the largest collection of Claude Monet paintings in the world, and ... Read More »
Woody Allen’s newest film delves into the psyche of an American screenwriter whom like so many before him, have fallen in love with Paris. Except in the case of Owen Wilson’s character, Gil, it is specifically the Paris of the 1920s which intrigues him. When a midnight stroll leads him into the Paris of his dreams, Gil finds the inspiration ... Read More »
The Louvre is home to some of the world’s greatest works of art, from the Venus de Milo to the Mona Lisa. With so many amazing works of art under one roof, it is a wonder why one small work would matter so much to the renowned Parisian institution. And yet, it does… In 1531, Lucas Cranach the Elder ... Read More »
One of the most famous department stores in Paris, and perhaps the world, the Galeries Lafayette, had surprisingly humble origins. In 1893 Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn opened a fashion store in a small haberdasher’s shop at the corner of rue La Fayette and the Chaussée d’Antin, Paris. In 1896, the company was successful enough to purchase the ... Read More »
La Boule Noire is best known for nightly bringing non-Parisian music to Paris. They have hosted early shows by Metallica, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand and Interpol in it’s small 300 person venue, offering an intimate experience with either soon to be huge bands or acts that are already packing halls three times the size of Le Boule Noire in ... Read More »
A visit to Paris is not complete without a day trip to the town of Versailles. Only 10.6 miles outside of Paris, Versailles was once a bustling medieval village, a common stopping place for those on the road into the city. In 1671, the medieval town, with its narrow alleys and winding street pattern was demolished by King Louis XIV ... Read More »
Close to Sacré-Cœur, located in the Montmartre district, Élysée Montmartre is one of the most famous music venues in all of Paris and over its 203 year history, the venue has hosted everyone from David Bowie to Katy Perry. Its numerous specialty music nights are well-respected in Paris, making this a must see and do for music fans. ... Read More »
MUSEYON BOOKS Smart City Guides for Travel, History, Art and Film Lovers