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Paris
History |
Paris Museums (Part 1 of 2)Paris, being the rich historical treasure trove that it is, boasts dozens of museums catering to specific and general historical topics and eras.Auguste Rodin MuseumThe Museum is the former Hôtel Biron, where Auguste Rodin rented quarters for the ten years prior to his death from a stroke in 1917.He gave his works to the nation of France, on the condition that they would always remain in the hotel. His rooms, which were on the first floor, are open and airy, with plentiful windows overlooking the surrounding gardens. The former hotel now houses the world's greatest collection of Rodin works, including Le Penseur (The Thinker), Balzac, La Porte de l'Enfer, and Ugolin et ses enfants. These are displayed in the garden, due to their size. Indoor displays feature some of his marble sculptures such as Le Baiser and La Main de Dieu. Particularly fascinating are Roméo et Juliette, and La Centauresse, two "half-finished" statues, where the figures are only partly liberated from the stone. Address: 77, rue de Varenne. Maritime MuseumCelebrating a time when the seas were the only way to travel from country to country –the roads and byways on which many wars were fought–, the Maritime Museum is built on a collection first given to King Louis XV in 1748.It contains models of war ships, steam and sail vessels, merchant ships and fishing boats from the last two hundred years. Also on display are magnificent figureheads, navigational instruments, maritime paintings, lighthouse optics and other items that figured in France's maritime history. Regular cultural events include lectures, model making, conferences, seminars and archeological displays. Address: Palais de Chaillot, 17, Place du Trocadéro. Orsay MuseumThis beautiful building, featuring a long arched ceiling with plenty of glass and light, was originally built in 1900 as a train station for the Orleans line.However, it fell into various uses when it turned out the train platforms were too short. Refurbished inside and out, it became an art museum focusing on the period 1850-1914, and covering all areas of the arts from music, through painting, to sculpture, architecture, and the memorabilia of everyday life. Address: 1, rue de la Legion d'Honneur. Other great museums... [Continued]
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