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Five not-so-touristy artsy spots to discover in Paris
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Tourists walk around the Louvre art museum on Dec. 10. (JP/Asmara Wreksono)
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f you have been to Paris a few times and are simply seeking to explore not-so-touristy yet artsy places in the French capital city, heed the advice of young French architect Hugo Tell, who has shared with The Jakarta Post his top five lesser-known tourist sites for art lovers in Paris.
Described as “a 20th-century architectural marvel” by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, this place is home to the National Museum of Modern Art and is particularly famous for its 20th and 21st century art collections, such as modern period (1905-1960) works from the likes of Matisse, Picasso and Dubuffet and contemporary period (1960-present) works from Andy Warhol, Niki de Saint Phalle and Anish Kapoor.
“The exterior of the building appears weirdly unfinished; it’s very unique,” said Tell. Indeed, the property designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers is an attractive photo opportunity thanks to its “exterior escalators and enormous colored tubing.”
At the top floor, temporary exhibitions also run every year. Expect to marvel at Paris’ breathtaking view while you’re there.
Ticket price for exhibitions: €14 (panoramic view only: €3)
Located in a building built in 1937, the Palais de Tokyo is convenient to visit as it is close to Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower. Fully renovated in 2012 by Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vasall, its west wing boasts “one of the largest centers for creation and contemporary art in Europe,” while the east wing houses the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.
“Sometimes you get to see really strange things at this museum,” said Tell.
In addition to exhibitions, the four floors of the Palais de Tokyo also regularly feature other artsy activities like screenings, concerts and performances.
Ticket price: €12
Cité de l’architecture & du patrimoine
A must-visit for fans of architecture, according to Tell, this place allows you to explore 1,000 years of the subject’s history. Also conveniently situated close to the Eiffel Tower, it boasts a vast number of French architectural heritage works, from the Middle Ages to the present day, comprehensively presented alongside models, videos and drawings. Temporary exhibitions are also available at the property, which mainly focuses on history, as well as any currently trending subjects.
Drop by the cafe’s terrace for an opportunity to marvel at an uninterrupted view of the city.
Ticket price for permanent collections: €8
Another architectural marvel by Jean Nouvel and Christian Portzamparc, this place is an attractive destination for music enthusiasts. Although mainly dedicated to symphonic concerts, audiences can also expect to enjoy more modern music like jazz and world music.
In addition to three concert halls, Philharmonie de Paris is also home to the Museum of Music, which boasts a collection of over 7,000 instruments and art objects.
“It is surrounded by a nice, huge park as well. And make time to go the rooftop, just to relax,” said Tell.
La Petite Ceinture
“It’s an old, abandoned railway line in Paris; full of graffiti,” said Tell, describing his fifth recommended spot.
Not used since 1934 and currently accessible to the public, this strip of land offers more than just attractive graffiti as its nature trails and gardens boast more than 200 plant species and over 700 animal species.
Physically disabled people are also able to explore the place and wheelchairs suited for the terrain are available for them to borrow. (asw)
