Archives for “art” tag

Named after its address (cent quatre translate as one hundred and four in French) this mammoth arts space only opened 4 years ago but it’s become a significant feature on the Paris contemporary arts scene.

Its colossal size has to be seen to be believed. Le Cent Quatre was formerly the city’s main funeral parlour but don’t worry, there are no trace of horses or coffins left now. Today the space is bright and open and features artist ateliers, permanent and temporary exhibitions, an amazing fully-working carousel, a gorgeous bookshop, restaurant, cafés, a second hand charity vintage shop and plenty of comfy spots where you can simply sit and relax and take in the impressive surroundings.

The programme features events for both adults and children which range from art installations and film projections to classical concerts and electronic club nights. At weekends I sometimes stop by to watch some of the hip-hop dance offs organised here by local dancers from the neighbourhood. It’s a brilliant space, and although it’s location is a bit off the traditional tourist track it’s well worth the detour.

P.S. Several of the cafes here also now have wifi so if you need to catch up on some work during your trip to Paris this is a great place to head for.

If you are a modern art enthusiast planning to visit Paris, you probably already heard of the Centre Pompidou (which is also a great relaxation site), this multidisciplinary cultural centre that, among other things, hosts the National Museum of Modern Art and organizes really interesting exhibitions.

But what you may not know is that the city of Paris also has its own modern art museum, and that its collections have no reason to be jealous of Centre Pompidou’s.

Immediately after the entrance hall, you can visit the impressive room dedicated to Raoul Dufy’s La Fée Electricité, one of the biggest paintings in the world, which retraces the history of electricity through the ages. Collections are downstairs (free of charge, like in other municipal museums), and exhibitions on the main floor.

The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (full name!) is located in the East wing of the Palais de Tokyo, near Chaillot hill, in the aristocratic 16th district. Mostly visited for the Eiffel Tower, this area is also full of museums, some of which are part of Colline des Musées discount programme:

- the West wing of the same building hosts the Palais de Tokyo centre for contemporary art (and a cool trendy restaurant: Tokyo Eat)

- Musée du Quai Branly: primitive arts, on the other bank of the river, next to Eiffel Tower

- Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (architecture and town planning museum).

And also (not included in the programme):

- Musée Guimet: Asian arts