Art is woven throughout the cultural fabric in Paris, in ways large and small. Four of my favorite memories here are those in which I was surprised by color, whether it was a monument that sparkled, a monarch’s jewels, whimsical displays in a shopping street, or a modern performance in a church dating back to the 13th century.
Left to right
Top row: Le Village Royal entry; Eiffel Tower; and Louvre, King Louis XV crown
Bottom row: Eiffel Tower; Saint-Eustache church; and Le Village Royal
Every hour after sundown, the Eiffel Tower’s lights sparkle for a full five minutes and burst forth in the Paris night sky. It is a creative moment of awe and energy visible across the city.
The Louvre Museum’s Gallerie d’Apollon showcases the French crown jewels. I enjoyed this exhibit because it is small, and the room that houses it is visually stunning, adorned with gold, paintings, and lovely, large windows. I was struck particularly by the crown created for King Louis XV’s coronation in Reims in 1722. Featuring large gemstones in different colors placed in minimalist settings, it has a decidedly modern feel even though it is over 300 years old.
Le Village Royal is a 270-year-old shopping street near La Madeleine church. Known for artist Patricia Cunha’s installation of brightly colored umbrellas suspended in the air above the walkway, the latest installation in the same location features large gold metallic disks that shimmer in the wind. Completely unexpected, it is a big and unapologetic bolt of happiness.
Finally, I end on a theatrical note. I attended a “spectacle” in the Saint-Eustache church, a performance that integrated theatre, music, singing, and a beautiful light show that used color to emphasize and explore the church’s interior architecture. (Note: Spectacles take place in different locations, and feature and combine different art forms.) This performance was unusual and a cultural highlight.
My time in Paris is ending. Although I am sad, I am looking forward to my next adventure: Morocco.
Au revoir,
Priss
MY FAVORITE THINGS
Eiffel Tower – lights sparkle every hour after sunset until 1:00 am.
Louvre Museum – Gallerie d’Apollon – displays the French crown jewels in an opulent room.
“Spectacle” in Saint-Eustache church - theatre, music, singing, and light show. The origins of this church date back to the 13th century.
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