Katie and I enjoyed our "Museum Experience" in more ways than solely viewing art. It was a big decision what to wear to the Louvre. Katie bought a dress, this added to the fun. Between the Louvre and Musee D'Orsay we stopped at a cafe' and had decadent desserts and shared our thoughts on the Louvre.
The Musee D'Orsay was recommended by a friend who has been to Paris. I did not research anything about it or ask any questions. I believe this made the experience all the more special. We were so surprised to see all the Impressionists' paintings. This is our favorite and we had been disappointed by its absence at the Louvre. Musee D'Orsay turned out to be the most important site in Paris for us.
This museum originally was built as a railroad station, completed in time for the World's Fair in 1900. Three different architects competed to design this important building. Due to its proximity to the Louvre and the Palais de la Legion d'honneur it needed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Victor Laloux was chosen for his design.
It was no longer being used and facing demolition when the Louvre and the other museums of Paris were overflowing with art. The station was converted into a museum and was completed in 1986. It displays works from 1848-1914.
Was all photography prohibited from the interior of the Musee?
ReplyDeleteI have been visiting this collection since childhood... It used to housed in the Jeu de Pomme, in the Tulleries... I remember Visiting the Musee D'Orsay the year after it opened with Albertus students inan earlier incarnation of this class (when I was permitted to take students to Europe personally)