Experienced Paris museum-goers often prefer the Musée d’Orsay over the bigger, more popular Louvre situated on the other side of the River Seine.
Sure, the Louvre has it’s share of iconic pieces and a reputation second to none, but the Orsay museum is often lauded for it’s own collection of notable art work. Located in the 7th arrondissement, the Orsay is housed in a beautiful old train terminal, and the airy, bright feel of the space provides a contrast for the endless halls found in the Louvre. Many feel that the Orsay is a much more manageable space than the Louvre due to its open architecture and the lower number of tourists cramming its gallery space. Surprising to many is the collection at the Orsay which is second to none, not even its big brother across the river.
In addition to a stunning permanent collection, the Orsay hosts a diverse calendar of enticing temporary exhibitions. Early this summer the museum will be hosting a special exhibit entitled Crime and Punishment showcasing the role of violence in art work during a period spanning two centuries. Indeed, the tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries produced some of the world’s most beautiful, and violent, works of art. Art depicting violent scenes played many different roles, sometimes working to illuminate injustices committed by the state, at times to depict historical events and often artists set out to depict violence as a political statement. Some of the finest artists of the period are best known for depicting scenes of violence: Goya’s The Third of May 1808 is probably his most widely known painting as is Picasso’s Guernica. The Musée d’Orsay’s Crime and Punishment exhibition shows how many of the great modern painters did their best, and most influential, work while depicting the horrors of violence. The Crime and Punishment exhibit runs from May 16th to June 27th, 2010.
Paris is truly a Museum-goers dream, and temporary exhibits like Crime and Punishment keep visitors coming back for return visits. New York Habitat vacation rentals are an ideal place to stay for visitors looking to frequent central Paris’ many museums and galleries. There are still some 7th arrondissement apartments left for early summer, here are a few suggestions to get your search started:
-This 1 Bedroom Rental in Solferino, Eiffel Tower – Champ de Mars – Les Invalides (PA-1973) is just blocks away from the museum and other attractions.
– This 4-bedroom duplex in Champs de Mars (PA-3154) is very close to the Eiffel Tower and has a great view of the The Hôtel des Invalides.
I actually enjoyed the Musée d’Orsay more than the Louvre during my visit to Paris.
In the near future I plan on visiting Paris. The Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre are definite stops for me. Does anyone know what temporary exhibits will be on around October 2010?