The Palais de la Porte Dorée is a spectacular building - and one that for much of the second half of the 20th century was spectacularly embarrassing! Starting life as the main installation of the 1931 colonial exhibition, it quickly became obsolete when France began losing its colonies and developing a more enlightened attitude to countries previously in its jurisdiction.
It was rebranded several times, focusing instead on primitive art or nature, always without pulling in the crowds. At the beginning of the 21st century though, a decision was made to perform a radical switch. Instead of hosting displays on previous French colonies, it would instead now celebrate immigration into France!
The museum itself is small, but very nicely put together, with some fascinating permanent items and temporary exhibitions. On top of this though you get the building itself which is an art deco gem. And that's not all - it is also home to a charming cafe with a lovely outdoor terrace in the summer.
And for children, the basement hosts an ever-popular aquarium.
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
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Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
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Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
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The records sitting in the racks at Vinyl Office make it seem like someone's prized personal collection, with a special focus on black music!
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Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
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"Jardin Nelson Mandela" in Paris is a new public garden. What's remarkable is the number of shadows to be found there -- useful to remember in the summer.
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"Fontaine de La Croix" in Paris is a folie that's a street relic of a roundabout with many bizarre details that make it very attractive to me...
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"Rue du Pelican" in Paris has an isolated space that feels like a time capsule. One can build tall stories of what shady goings-on must've gone on here...
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"Charonne" Paris is an area that in my opinion has been the area which has managed to keep its original identity the most. I love the benches here...
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"Les Douches Gallery" Paris is situated in what was once a public bath built in the 1930s. The gallery itself is fascinating, but the building is better!
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"Jardin des Rosiers" Paris is a garden that is an oasis of calm in a busy area. I like contemplate some of the gardens oddities with a takeaway falafel...
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