Paris has no shortage of notable museums. From the masterpieces of the Louvre to the sculptures of the Rodin museum to the Erotic Museum fittingly placed in the city’s Pigalle district, the French capital has something for every museum goer. This is the type of city where a visitor could easily spend an entire trip within the walls of a curated space and still only see a fraction of the city’s vast collection of art, historical artifacts and various curiosities. Most travelers however, are content to have museums complement their visit, not be the driving force behind it. And some visitors to Paris are happy to just see the Louvre because, well, it’s the Louvre. All very well, but for visitors looking for a good Parisian museum beyond the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay (and there are dozens) New York Habitat always suggests the Musée du Quai Branly, a magnificent modern museum on the banks of the river Seine, in the 7th arrondissement. Open since 2006, the Quai Branly is devoted to the indigenous art and culture from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, a real departure from the European-focused art found in most of the city.
The Quai Branly Museum has a wonderful permanent collection available year round but also features an eclectic offering of temporary exhibits that continue to draw visitors back for a second, third and forth visit. This fall and winter, the museum is hosting an exhibit entitled Teotihuacan: City of Gods focusing on artifacts and artwork from the mythic ancient Mexican culture and city of the same name. The museum will have some 450 items of Teotihuacan culture, many of which have been recently excavated. The exhibition offers a window onto the Mesoamerican world rarely seen in modern Western museums. Visitors to the museum are presented with the history of the city (100 BC-650 AD) and with extraordinary pieces that illuminate the political, social, economic, artistic and religious lives of a people lost to most history text books.
One day people might be rummaging through the remains of contemporary Paris and holding exhibitions in order to better understand life in the 21st century. Luckily for now the city is still here for us to enjoy (although it has gone through a lot in the last 100 years). New York Habitat has dozens of apartments in the 7th arrondissement available this fall and winter in the heart of the living and breathing City of Light. Below are a few to get your search started:
- This one-bedroom apartment rental in Montmartre-Sacre Coeur (PA-684) is full of class and charm. The hardwood floors, built-in bookcases and ample light make this accommodation an ideal choice for couples or small families.
- This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Invalids, Auteul-Tour Eiffel (PA-1087) is a short stroll of the Quai Branly museum, Eiffel Tower and dozens of other Paris landmarks. The accommodation also has beautiful rooftop views.
Share your thoughts about the Teotihuacan exhibit at the Museé du Quai Branly below.
I remembered my trip to Mexico about 2 years when we were exploring and descovering the Mayas Temples and civilization. I will be in Paris on a bussines trip next week I will be sure to go visit the exhibition Teotihuacan: City of Gods
This looks really interesting. Thanks for the info, NYHabitat.
Yes, I agree very interesting indeed.
When I was living in Paris I couldn’t believe how many tiny little museums there were and how beautifully well-kept they were. The curators know their stuff!
I’m a huge fanatic about The Mayan culture and is over elated to have come across this information. I’ve always entertained the notion that one will only find great paintings and ancient European sulptures in museum in Paris. I’ve visited a lot of Mayan Ruins in Mexico and other countries in Central America and as it is I will be in Paris this fall, I dying to see this collection.
This 2 bedroom rental in Auteuil-Tour Eiffel is luxurious but at the same time it seems a little dated. The décor in the living room needs a little touch of update. However this apt will be lovely for a short stay in Paris.
Gabrielle — you have no idea what you are talking about! That apartment is gorgeous and so well decorated!
Ì agree with Mr. G someoeople don’t understand tradition, and did you check out that stained glass window in the bathroom, how charming….
Is this Mexican?