We’ve waxed poetic about Paris’ Bercy Quarter in the past and anchoring the neighborhood is the François Mitterrand French National Library. More than just a place to read or study, the French National Library has a diverse offering of exhibits. Running until early April are two very different offerings. One of the exhibits, titled Heros: From Achilles to Zidane, is a great place to bring the kids. The other exhibit, entitled Hell at the Library, Eros in Secret, is strictly for adults, even the French intellectuals running the library are denying entry to those under 16 years old. New York Habitat has big apartments in the 12th arrondissement for families in town for the Heros exhibit and smaller accommodations for the couples or solo travelers interested in the Eros presentation.
The Heros exhibit takes a wide lens to modern hero worship. While the exhibit is fun for kids who get to marvel at superman and soccer star Zinnedine Zidane it is equally interesting to adults wanting to understand the reasons behind their own admirations. Located in the 12th arrondissement, the library juxtaposes the myths of Hercules and Joan of Arc with that of Che Guevera and musical stars like Jimi Hendrix and begs the question what makes mortal men heros? And what, if anything, do they all have in common? One theme also worth exploring is the context of hero worship–surely Charles De Gaulle was no hero to the Germans, nor was Che Guevera to the CIA or Zidane to Italian soccer supporters.
On an entirely different note is the massive exhibit Hell at the Library, Eros in Secret. The library has marked the occasion of the well-received exhibit by marking a large red X on the side of one of its towers. The exhibit examines eroticism, sex and pornography in literature between the 16 and 20th centuries, the reaction to it and the history of vast collections being hidden and forbidden from the public. Conservative Americans might find themselves blushing a bit at some graphic depictions–but as is always the case with the French, the sexual presentation is done tastefully and unabashedly.
Two very different exhibitions deserve two different kinds of New York Habitat accommodations. Families should try this spacious 2-bedroom apartment rental in Mouffetard, Grand Bibliotheque -Cite Universitaire (PA-2143). The accommodation fits a 4-person family very comfortably. For couples or small families New York Habitat offers this 1-bedroom apartment rental in Jardin des Plants, Grand Bibliotheque – Cite Universitaire (PA-2933).
Which exhibit interests you most? Heros or Eros? Please Comment Below.
Next time I go to Paris, I will surely stop at the library, it sounds very interesting. I love soccer and Although I am not French, I worship Zizou! he has amazing skills and it was unfortunate that he got kick out for headbutting Matarazzi (which he deserved). It will also be interesting to see the Eros in Secret section because I love how sexuality is more open in Europe. maybe they might have crazy horse exhibition.., I love crazy horse!
they always do interesting exhibitions in Paris!!! I seriously need to get a card to the National Library.
the kids section is amazing, I need to go on the other side, I bet is great!