Le Musée Carnavalet is the museum of the history of Paris. It occupies two neighboring mansions: the Hôtel Carnavalet and the former Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau. The name comes from Francois de Kernevenoy, a Breton whose name was rendered in French as Carnavalet. One of the largest museums in France, the exhibits run the gamut from archaeological specimens to paintings, from furniture to sculpture, and they take the visitor from prehistoric times to the present. The photos don't pretend to do justice to the scope of the museum, which spans the long lifetime of the city. Nevertheless here are a few of the items that caught my eye on the day we visited.
The painting evokes the five senses: the musicians symbolize hearing; the grapes and apples evoke smell and taste; touch is embodied by the embracing couples; and the beautiful Parisian landscape represents the sense of sight.
The painting evokes the five senses: the musicians symbolize hearing; the grapes and apples evoke smell and taste; touch is embodied by the embracing couples; and the beautiful Parisian landscape represents the sense of sight.
The painting evokes the five senses: the musicians symbolize hearing; the grapes and apples evoke smell and taste; touch is embodied by the embracing couples; and the beautiful Parisian landscape represents the sense of sight.
If you find antiques interesting there are several rooms of them in the museum.
If you find antiques interesting there are several rooms of them in the museum.
If you find antiques interesting there are several rooms of them in the museum.
Gaston Renault, in the early 1900s, built several small-scale models of districts that were to be demolished. This district eventually became the Centre Pompidou.
Gaston Renault, in the early 1900s, built several small-scale models of districts that were to be demolished. This district eventually became the Centre Pompidou.
Gaston Renault, in the early 1900s, built several small-scale models of districts that were to be demolished. This district eventually became the Centre Pompidou.
This map from 1966 shows the Seine bordered by expressways. Today, the expressways are gone, replaced by sidewalks and bike paths, as Paris works to free the city from being dominated by cars.
This map from 1966 shows the Seine bordered by expressways. Today, the expressways are gone, replaced by sidewalks and bike paths, as Paris works to free the city from being dominated by cars.
This map from 1966 shows the Seine bordered by expressways. Today, the expressways are gone, replaced by sidewalks and bike paths, as Paris works to free the city from being dominated by cars.