Musee Carnavalet

We wanted to visit the Musee Carnavalet for a special exhibit on the Marais.  We realized at that point that while we have visited the Carnavalet many times for special shows, but we could not remember when we had seen the permanent collection.  Well.  It turned out that both of us found the Marais show boring, which almost never happens, since we can always find something interesting to at least one of us.  But no, not this time.  So it was on to the permanent collection.  It was quickly apparent that despite many visits over the years, we had never explored the permanent parts of the museum. 

The Carnavalet is the official museum of Paris, so in that way it is limited.  But, Paris really is the center of French history and culture, so in that way it has a broad subject.  In addition to the paintings and sculptures, there were rooms of furniture in various styles, and historical objects such as locks of hair of the royal family of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

So...some of the highlights....

 This one's for you, Ginny! 

This is a recreation of the rooms in which Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were confined before they were guillotined.  Much of the furniture and furnishings are original.  

 Apparently the billiards were played a little differently. 

 There were a few models of historic occasions. 

Bonne Annee and Happy New Year!

New Year's Day started with a visit to the Grand Palais for an exhibition called Picasso Mania, featuring works by Picasso, and those who were influenced and followed him.  We expected the exhibit to be very good, and it was even better that that.

David Hockney above and below.

 A remarkable quilt by Faith Ringold, the central image surrounded by narrative. 

 A few by himself. 

 Andy Warhol below. 

 Back to himself.

 Every artist for him- or herself. 

We had been waylaid on our way to the Grand Palais when our bus suddenly veered of course and sped across town in an unexpected direction.  When we took a turn, we decided to hop off and walk the rest of the way.  A couple of gendarmes told us that there was a parade along the Champs Elysees which had required our detour.  After our visit, we could hear the bands still playing, so we went to watch.  It turned out that the last few groups were making their way back to the start of the parade, so we followed along.

Now we were at the Place de la Concorde, and on our way home.