A Cultural Tour | Paris
Artists’ recommendations for Paris museums, parks and exhibtions
By the Bearleaders
Atelier Brancusi
“Paris always inspires me. The beautiful sculptures of famous artists like Zadkine, Rodin and many more, are to be found everywhere in the historical parks and museums.”
Be inspired by the Bearleaders in Art, Photography and visit their favourite places in Paris. Take benefit of their inside knowledge and let these tastemakers guide you to the best museums, churches, exhibitions, and parks in the Eiffel city.
BOURSE DE COMMERCE - PINAULT COLLECTION
Originally an - incredibly prestigious! - grain exchange and chamber of commerce, this beautiful pantheonesque dome now houses a stunning modern art collection.
The painted classical dome contrasts strongly with the concrete structures below, and the vast open space gives the collection of François Pinault (also responsible for the Palazzo Grassi in Venice) lots of room to breathe.
instagram | maps | favourite of Heinz Strobl, Senior Hotel Executive
LIGNE DE PETITE CEINTURE
An old railway track leading all throughout and around Paris. Originally built in the 1800s, it became obsolete with the expansion and popularity of the metro around 1930. The old track is still there, and makes for a very fun walk through Paris.
You’ll feel like a real urban explorer, encountering empty tunnels in decay, overgrown stations and plenty of graffiti.
maps | favourite of Humberto Tan, Photographer
PÈRE LACHAISE
Legends such as Oscar Wilde, Chopin and Jim Morrison are laid to rest here. It is a cemetery with the allure of a grand park, and a beautiful place for a walk or a tribute.
maps | favourite of Humberto Tan, Photographer
MUSÉE DU LOUVRE
It seems like a no-brainer, but even if you have seen it for the third time, for me it remains one of the most impressive museums of the world and I always see new things.
instagram | maps | favourite of Humberto Tan, Photographer and Ivan Cremer, Sculptor
PARIS PHOTO
Walhalla for photography lovers and art buyers.
MUSÉE PICASSO
Housed in the Hotel Salé in Paris provides an overview of the total work of Pablo Picasso. The artist's personal art collection has been housed on the third floor since 2014.
MAD, LE MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS
Collections about applied art and design since 1905 in the west wing of the Louvre. Amazing expositions on fashion and also a very decorative restaurant: Loulou.
RUE ST. HONORÉ
This is where most couture brands have a shop, so there is enough to see..and to shop. Like the XXL Dior boutique!
maps | favourite of Humberto Tan, Photographer
RODIN MUSEUM
Situated in the beautiful Hôtel Biron and its gardens, this wonderful museum features not just sculptures but many drawings and photographs as well, covering every step of the famous sculptor’s artistic process.
CENTRE POMPIDOU
Perhaps Paris’ most radical building, its post-modern architecture also houses the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe. An absolute must-see.
ATELIER BRANCUSI
Right across of Centre Pompidou lies the restored atelier of sculptor Constantin Brâncuși.
Restored to capture the spirit of the original studio by Centre Pompidou’s architect Renzo Piano, this is a masterclass in creating an intimate and authentic museum.
JARDIN LUXEMBOURG
Situated on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Quartier Latin, the gardens, inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, were created upon the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici in 1612.
The gardens, which cover 25 hectares of land, are split into French gardens and English gardens. The most famous sculptures of artists like Rodin, Bourdelle, Bartholdi and Zadkine can be found here.maps | favourite of Ivan Cremer, Sculptor
ÉGLISE DE ST. GERMAIN DES PRÉS
A beautiful gothic church with a unique Romanesque nave, one of the very few remaining in Paris.
maps | favourite of Ivan Cremer, Sculptor
PARC DES BUTTES CHAUMONT
Not the biggest park, but its height differences, waterfalls and small temple make it the perfect spot for a picnic with scenic views. Go on a Sunday to see it come alive with Parisian leisure.
maps | favourite of Johnny Talbot & Adrian Runhof, Fashion Designers
“I visit Paris regularly, as the city inspires me for my work as a photographer. I can walk endless in the city with my camera to capture beautiful people and to visit the impressive museums. Everyone who is into art & photography should also pay a visit to Paris Photo, one of the most beautiful exhibitions in the world on photography.”
Looking for places to eat? Discover the tastemakers’ favourite Paris restaurants.
