Sure, we're all familiar with the massive tourist engine that is Paris. We've all heard of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre... but what if I told you of some lesser-known tourist spots in this grand city? That's right, in this article I'll tell you all about some of my favorite places that are still "up-and-coming" in the Parisian tourist industry (relatively speaking, of course), or the ones that have yet to even be discovered by the majority of Americans tourists.
L'Atelier des Lumières (11th arrondissement)
Opened in 2018, this breathtaking exhibit, which translates in English to "The Studio of Lights," provides an immersive, choreographed, 360-degree experience of art through multi-colored lights that seemingly dance to music across the walls, floor, and ceiling of an enormous studio.
Surrounding you in brilliant colors, ethereal lights, and rich music, L'Atelier des Lumières creates a sensory experience like no other.
The open floor-plan of the rooms allow for movement, meaning you can walk freely amongst the artwork and observe its intimate details up close. Or, if you'd rather, sit on one of the many benches they provide and let the animated designs swirl about you. It's also perfectly acceptable to lie on your back and just soak in the wonder of it all. However you choose to experience the show, there's no denying that it will make you feel as though you're literally a part of the artwork, engulfed in its splendor; it's an intensely personal way to explore some of history's greatest masterpieces.
Tip your hat to famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, as you witness their work in a completely novel way.
Tucked somewhat inconspicuously in the 11th arrondissement, the Atelier highlights different artists, concepts, and mediums through specifically-tailored shows that follow a schedule (so you will need to check the website to see which shows are running on the day you wish to visit). As the museum currently has two studios, only two exhibitions- referred to as "the long program" and "the short program"- can run at a time (tickets are sold separately). Each exposition focuses on a different subject or theme, and generally lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
The talent featured in this unbelievable museum range from eclectic architect Gaudí, to impressionist painter Monet, to everything outside and in between. You can observe their works while listening to beautiful music by Wagner, Beethoven, or perhaps Mozart. These visuals and melodious sounds make for a truly captivating, and almost spiritual, encounter with one of France's most prolific cultural hallmarks; art.
To learn more, visit: https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/home
Musée du Quai Branly (7th arrondissement)
This fascinating ethnographic museum features indigenous art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It sounds strange to have this kind of place smack in the middle of an ultra-urban European city, but its collections are unparalleled, and have drawn the eyes of curious adults and children since its inception.
Paris' own "hanging gardens," which adorn the exterior of the musée.
Built in the early 2000's, the purpose of this museum was to celebrate diversity, and to highlight cultures outside of the traditional Parisian fare. With Paris being the international hub that it is, it actually makes perfect sense to have a museum there focusing solely on art from other countries. Also, I find the choice to display mostly indigenous art quite interesting, as we are all aware of France's (and many other countries', for that matter) imperialist history; it's as if they wish to restore the dignity they once tried to take away from natives.
A 20th century ceremonial mask from Guinea, west Africa, featured in the museum's African collection
Historical skeletons aside, this museum does an excellent job of showcasing the incredible history and culture of indigenous people. My favorite section by far was the one on Africa; I simply couldn't get enough of it. The sculptures revealed the different tribes' varying views on gender roles, and the symbolism of nature, while the intricate masks and headdresses recounted stories of these people's sense of spirituality and hierarchy.
It's place worthy of a visit from the whole family; put Musée du Quai Branly on your itinerary now!
To learn more, visit: http://www.quaibranly.fr/en/exhibitions-and-events/at-the-museum/exhibitions/
Le Passe-muraille (Montmartre)
This is one of my personal favorites simply because of the legend behind the art, as it is so telling of French culture. Indeed, the country of France is the origin of many fairytales that have been adopted by modern popular culture, (Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, just to name a few...); it is evident that the French have always been very enthusiastic about their folkloric traditions.
"Le Passe-muraille," cast in bronze, has now graced this wall for over 40 years.
This man in particular, known as "The passer-through-walls" in English, supposedly possessed a unique ability to walk through walls. Long story short, after getting slightly carried away with his superpower, he ended up stuck halfway through a stone wall, where he remains today. He goes by the name of "Monsieur Dutilleul," and has inhabited this wall since the 1980s, when French actor Jean Marais designed the sculpture based on the story by Marcel Aymé.
When you come across this whimsical hot spot on Montmartre, be sure to pose with your new sculpture friend for some fun and memorable photos!
This sculpture really offers prime photo opportunities; I mean, he's always posing!
To learn more, visit: https://www.eutouring.com/le_passe-muraille_sculpture.html
Image sources (in order of appearance):
Chauvet, Dominique. Two silhouettes watch colorful exhibition. Atelier des Lumières. Web. https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/home
"Van Gogh Lumières." Lamuse. Web. http://www.lamuse.fr/activites-enfants/van-gogh-atelier-des-lumieres-8257.html
Exterior of Musée Quai Branly. Arts in the City. Web. https://www.arts-in-the-city.com/2020/04/23/visitez-le-musee-du-quai-branly-en-realite-virtuelle-depuis-chez-vous/
Chenet, Vincent. Gries, Patrick. Mask from Guinea. 1998, Musée du Quai Branly, Paris. Web. http://www.quaibranly.fr/en/list-of-themed-tours/view-a-parcours/parcours-type/Parcours/parcours-action/show/parcours/masques/
Moure, Aline. Side profile of le Passe-muraille. Paris Secret. Web. https://parissecret.com/paris-lhistoire-de-la-plus-atypique-des-sculptures-le-passe-muraille-de-montmartre/
Martine. "Le Passe-Muraille." Atlas Obscura. Web. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/le-passe-muraille
© 2021 Charlotte Warren. All rights reserved.