15 January 2010
Paris is a great city to simply walk around to enjoy the sites and atmosphere, but when Mother Nature plays her tricks during the winter months, it is also a good thing to stay warm by spending some time inside. There is only so much coffee or hot chocolate one can sip, so here are five hot spots to be cosy and enjoy some good photography by others.
1. La Maison Européenne de la Photographie
Located in the Marais district, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) is dedicated to contemporary photography, presenting exhibits that change on a regular basis. It also holds a large library which has earned its recognition as a major photography library through France, Europe and the USA. A good variety of presentations related to photography or film are also offered.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm, except public holidays. Admission is free every Wednesday from 5 pm to 8 pm;
Address: 5/7 rue de Fourcy - 75004 Paris. Métro St Paul or Pont Marie;
To learn about current exhibits and activities, check the website available in English: http://www.mep-fr.org.
2. Jeu de Paume
The Musée du Jeu de Paume proposes a rich calendar of photographic and other image exhibitions from all periods (19th to 21st century). Located in the Tuilerie Gardens (west of the Louvre), it makes a good visit after walking through the gardens, and a good starting point to see the lights on the Champs Elysées in the evening.
Opening hours: Tuesday: 12:00 - 9:00 pm, Wednesday - Friday: 12:00 - 7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 - 7:00 pm. Closed on Monday.
Address: 1, place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris métro Concorde;
To learn about current exhibits and activities, check: http://www.jeudepaume.org.
3. Hôtel de Sully
Located in a quiet courtyard just steps away from the Place des Vosges in the Marais, the Hôtel de Sully is a branch of the Musée du Jeu de Paume. It offers photographic exhibits that change on a regular basis.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday: 12:00 - 7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 - 7:00 pm. Closed on Monday.
Address: 62, rue Saint-Antoine 75004 Paris
4. Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson
Located in the Montparnasse area, the Foundation opened in 2003 to support contemporary photography. The restored artists' atelier holds three temporary exhibitions each year, with a small gallery of Cartier-Bresson's own work on the top floor.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 13:00 - 6:30 pm, Saturday 11:00 - 6:45 pm, Wednesday until 8:30pm. Free Wednesday night from 6:30;
Address: 2 impasse Lebouis, 75014 Paris Métro Gaité or Edgar Quinet;
To learn about current exhibits and activities, check http://www.henricartierbresson.org.
5. Bibliothèque Nationale de France
The Bibliothèque (BNF) proposes a number of photo exhibits during the year at its main locations: Site Richelieu (in the Marais district) and Site François Mitterrand (to the East, in the Bercy District).
Opening hours: Site Richelieu - Tuesday -Saturday: 10:00 - 7:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 - 7:00 pm. Closed on Monday;
Address: 58 rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris, Métro Bourse or Palais Royal.
Opening hours: Site François Mitterrand - Tuesday -Saturday: 10:00 - 7:00 pm, Sunday: 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Closed on Monday;
Address: Quai François-Mauriac, 75706 Paris, Métro: Quai de la gare.
To learn about current exhibits and activities, check http://www.bnf.fr.
In good weather or bad, these five main places are good to visit! There are also many small private galleries, especially in the Marais, so if you have a favorite place to experience the photography of others while in Paris, let me know and I will add it to the list.
