7 alternative art museums in Paris

So you are on vacation in Paris and there is no doubt that you will be visiting a certain amount of museums during your stay. For whatever reason, you just can’t gear up for the crowds of the Musée d’Orsay and you have already traversed the Louvre during your last visit. Or maybe the family dynamics are such that husband likes science, teenage daughter is only into fashion, youngest son is into super contemporary art, and you just want to see some interesting exhibition about an impressionist or modern artist. Not to worry. Paris is full of some of the most fantastic, small museums that will neither boast huge crowds or argumentative responses from traveling companions. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Le Laboratoire

An exciting new addition to the Paris art scene opened in mid-October. Le Laboratoire, a sleek space of glass, metal, grays and blacks, serves as an exhibition space and meeting point between art and science. Two leading figures in their respective fields, who likely have never met, come together to explore concepts and “push the limits of understanding,” as the mission statement declares. It’s a tricky concept to pull off, which why the name of the space, Le Laboratoire, is a good one, because in actuality the work developed is truly experimental.

Location: 4, rue de Bouloi, Paris 1st Arrondissement.

2. Arts et Métiers

This museum is for the curious type and those who have a secret urge to be an inventor. This museum located in the 3rd Arrondissement has a history that extends back several decades. It’s gadget-galore and full of lots of quirky, interesting information. They have a permanent collection that revolves around seven different themes: Scientific instruments, materials, construction, communication, energy, mechanical items, transportation and religion/church history. Temporary exhibitions, like the recent one about the inventions of Benjamin Franklin add another appeal. Plus, it’s free entry for the first six months of 2008.

Location: 60, rue Reamur, Paris 3rd Arrondissement.

3. Musée de la Mode et du Textile

Part of the larger Museum of Decorative Arts, a stone’s throw from the Louvre has fantastic exhibitions on current and historical fashions. Well researched and beautifully displayed, these exhibitions are a feast for the eyes and fashion imagination and best of all won’t hurt your budget. Recently Haute Couture designer, Christian Lacroix curated a show from the collection, including some over-the-top designs of his from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as exquisite pieces from the early 20th century. Current exhibitions include a show of jewelry designed by the contemporary German artist, Dieter Roth.

Location: 107, rue de Rivoli, Paris 2nd Arrondissement.

4. Musée Nissim de Camondo

The Musée Nissim de Camondo, an offshoot of the Museum of Decorative Arts, was the private residence of Moïses de Camondo until his death in 1935, when he bequeathed the estate and all of its furnishings to the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs of France. In summary: The Camondos where an important Sephardic Jewish family who founded one of the largest banks in the Ottoman Empire. Nissim (father of Moïses), came to Paris during the reign of Napoleon III and settled in the mansion overlooking Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement. Moïses inherited the estate in 1910 and dedicated himself to building up a vast collection of 18th century furniture and art—mainly French, but also some Asian objects, which lushly decorate this incredibly beautiful museum. This tiny museum is a true beauty. Get the audio guide and slip into the worlds of early 20th century French aristocracy.

Location: 63, rue Monceau, Paris 8th Arrondissement.

5. Musée Maillol

This small museum set in the 7th arrondissement, boasts a small collection of the early 20th century French sculptor André Maillol, known for his voluptuous nudes in bronze and marble, as well as some paintings and drawings. This makes for a quick tour, but what is typically the draw is one of their temporary exhibitions which they rotate a few times a year. Typically on view is a concise, well-researched exhibition that revolves around a theme of late 19th-early 20th century art. So if this is a genre of art that appeals to you, likely you will be pleased.

Location: 61, rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th Arrondissement.

6. La Maison Rouge

The Maison Rouge is a contemporary art space in the Bastille. Founded by a private collector, this beautifully designed museum, which sits right on the banks of the river, has rotating exhibitions, usually two or three at a time, including an exterior patio site for installations. They focus on presenting contemporary artists from around the world, but there is always a unique and refreshing approach. Most recently they have feature work by eco-trippy Japanese artist Tetsumi Kudo and Russian political artists from the 1970s movement called Sots art.

Location: 10, boulevard Bastille, Paris 12th Arrondissement.

7. Centre Culturel Suisse

For the real contemporary art fan. This small museum which is sponsored by the Swiss Government, is a cutting edge, beautifully thought out exhibition space. Located conveniently within the heart of the Marais (just across from Muji), the Centre Culturel Suisse rotates exhibitions of contemporary international artists every couple of month and located just next door is a fantastic bookstore with all the latest contemporary art publications.

Location: 32-37 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Paris 3rd Arrondissement.

Photo of Le Laboratoire museum, Paris, originally posted by Redking

Topic:  Tips and Ideas | 1 Comment
Tags:  Art, Paris

About the author

Blaire Dessent recently settled in Paris after ten years in New York City where she focused her career in the visual arts. She was formerly the Director for the Art Omi International Artists’ Residency, a non-profit arts organization based in Columbia County, New York. Prior to this position she worked as the Program Manager at the Bohen Foundation, a non-profit art foundation, and as the Director at Friedrich Petzel Gallery, both in New York City. She holds a Masters in Art History from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Writing has always been a passion and recently she started developing a blog, http://deuxfrontieres.blogspot.com, which centers around food, culture, politics and random thoughts about Parisian life.