Signs of Season Change

The weather here in New York has finally moderated -- warm, no humidity, very little rain – and perhaps now we can look forward to the stark blue skies and crisp air of fall. I believe the weather is very similar in Paris as the days grow shorter.

I’ve been occupied setting up a new computer, loading software and streamlining my collection of photos. I had run out of hard drive space, so this is an opportunity to review everything. It leads to reminiscing, but that’s one purpose of photography. I have had a few good laughs and moments of reflection seeing how far I’ve come with my “hobby.”

NEWS AND COMMENTS FOR FUTURE TRAVEL TO PARIS:

Picasso Museum (ww.musee-picasso.fr) closed for extensive renovations and expansion on 23 August 2009 for approximately two years until 2012. Note: educational and cultural events related to Picasso may appear at other locations. Check the web site for updates.

L’opération entraînera la fermeture du musée Picasso à compter du 23 août et le déménagement de ses collections. Un chantier scientifique d'étude, de récolement, de restauration et de numérisation des fonds du musée sera mené durant cette période de fermeture et sera accompagné d'un gel des prêts. En parallèle, des actions éducatives et culturelles innovantes hors les murs seront proposées.Les travaux commenceront début 2010 pour une durée de 24 mois.

Since returning home, two small Parisian museums have come to my attention which may substitute for a visit to the Picasso Museum:

(1) Musée Gustave Moreau, 14, rue de la Rochefoucauld (9th arr.), metro Trinité d’Estienne d’Orves, closed Tuesdays. Hours: 10h to 12h45, and from 14h to 17h15. Entry: 5 euro. Interiors of the “hôtel particulier” were seen in a short documentary and appeared to be quite interesting, in addition to a display of paintings by Moreau that willed to the state upon his death.

(2) Musée de Albert-Kahn, in Boulogne-Billancourt (92), including well-landscaped gardens, 14, rue du Port, metro Pont de Saint-Cloud, closed Mondays. Hours: 11h to 19h. Entry: 1.50 euro. A newspaper article (Wall Street Journal, August 20, 2009 written by Richard Woodward, includes slides) talked about Albert-Kahn’s mission to promote international peace. The main collection contains autochromes taken from 1909 to 1930, as well as documentary films, featuring about 50 countries around the world. A recent exhibition highlighted Infinite India (closed 30 August). Just a few metro stops away and the description of the gardens seemed ideal for a day of rest. See also (in English): www.albertkahn.co.uk/about.html.

I can also recommend the following for your consideration:

(1) Musée de la Vie Romantique, Hôtel Scheffer-Renan, 16, rue Chaptal (9th arr.), metro Pigalle or Saint-George, closed Monday. Hours: 10h to 18h. Entry: 7 euro for temporary exhibits (on the theme of romanticism), free for permanent collection (paintings and other objects of art from the 19th century). Has a lush entry off the street and lovely garden.

(2) If the weather is nice, go for lunch as well as the Musée Jacquemart-André, 158, bd Haussmann (8th arr.), open every day from 10h to 18h. Entry 10 euro. The museum focuses on the decorative arts of 18th century France, paintings and sculpture of the Renaissance and various periods in Italian art.

Photos of people and building facades were taken in and around the Musée du Louvre; and the bronze sculptures by Aristide Maillol are located throughout Jardin des Tuileries.