Treasures of Paris: Historical and New
You might think there is no any other museum, which is as much worth visiting as Louvre is, but there are, and some of them are even right next to it. Continue reading and you will learn about a number of Parisian museums, which are not less attractive and carry great historical significance.
National Museum of Gustave Moreau
The National Museum of Gustave Moreau is an incredible place to communicate with culture and admire amazing paintings and decorations designed by the painter. Gustave Moreau established the museum himself and combined his taste and art values to get the interior which the visitors enjoy today. The building was built at artist’s own expenses and was ready in 1896: two years before his death. While visiting the museum you will get to the world of mythology and biblical themes, which are illustrated in his works. His paintings are a mix of modern and abstract styles, which surprisingly agree with each other.
The museum houses numerous masterpieces made by the great artist, and you will find many world-known works such as “the life of humanity,” “Jupiter and Semele” and more. Gustave Moreau Museum also provides an exceptional chance to explore the intimate life of the painter and his works. This museum has become the favorite place of many artists and writers who were influenced and inspired by Moreau’s works.
Museum Quai Branly
Though Paris has always been a historical place with many ancient and medieval places, but without the new buildings it wouldn’t be as modern and fashionable as it is. This place is one of the newest getaways of Paris. The doors of the Quai Branly Muesum were opened in 2006. This new and modern building was designed by Jean Nouvel. The glass facade and the vertical garden covering the building make it even more beautiful. Many people visit this place simply to enjoy the incredible surroundings. The Museum is very close to Eiffel Tower and the fabulous Seine River, hence it will be great if you visit these “belle” destinations of Paris within one day. The museum’s collection is awesome; it’s mostly blessed with non-western arts with various items.
You will see many valuable works from Africa, Oceania, Asia and America. Most interestingly, this green museum houses joint collection from Musee des Arts d’Afrique et d’Oceanie and the Laboratoire d’Ethnologie du Musee de l’Homme. It includes a tenth-century anthropomorphic Dogon statue from Mali, Vietnamese costumes, Balinese masks, Aztec statues, Peruvian feather tunics, and rare frescoes from Ethiopia. Though Quai Barnly is quite new it never gets bored because people line up just to see the masterpieces inside and admire the outstanding culture.
Museum of Decorative Art
One of the world’s major collections of decorative art is situated in Paris and it’s not surprising because French are really fond of exploring and creating something new and unique. This museum of Decorative Art is also situated near Louvre. This extravagant cultural venue is worth visiting. It also represents a new building (2006). It mostly contains art works from private collection of different people. It mainly includes French furniture and tableware, but visitors can also admire extravagant carpets and different items made for medieval royalty. Several parts are devoted to Chinese head jewelry and the Japanese Art of seduction with combs.
Museums give us new emotions and taste. Sometimes we even start to believe in wonders. Sometimes it just doesn’t fit into the head how ordinary people could create such masterpieces. But they did. And you should see and feel them at least once in your lifetime. No matter how old you are, no matter how clever you are and no matter how much experienced you are, you will always find there things that will surprise you. After visiting the “largest museum” in Europe; don’t forget to visit these small ones too.
