I can find no reflections on a visit to this Musée de l'Homme. Also, I do not find a reference in RS book.
We have two days (1 night as part of our tour) in the 8th arrondissement and I am exploring this area before we must move to another hotel.
This is our third visit so we are investigating the second tier of sights. Any experience, thoughts out there?
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10196 posts
It used to be an incredible anthropology museum until the most artistic objects were removed for the newer Musée de quai Branly--Jacques Chirac. This was President Chirac's pet project, so the Musée de l'Homme was eviserated to build his namesake. I was last at the Musée de l'Homme in 2019 for a very good exhibit on the Neanderthals; otherwise, it's a fairly quick visit.
If you are looking for science museums, you may appreciate the Arts & Métiers museum https://www.arts-et-metiers.net/
Unique. You won't find the objects in this museum elsewhere.
Posted by
France Southwest
1818 posts
If you were interested in the Musée de l'Homme, the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution will certainly interest you.
It's in the botanical garden (there are also beautiful tropical greenhouses)
https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/en/galleries-gardens-zoo-libraries-2913
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4044 posts
This museum is a destination for school children with their teachers. It is interesting as a structure and for its decor. When I visited, a big special exhibition examined the roles of Afro musicians in the popular music of France and Britain. I still have Millie Small's old anthem My Boy Lollipop running through my ears.
Another phrase for describing its original contents is colonial loot. I am comfortable with the spoils of empire being quarantined in the Branly which is equipped to frame them in a wider context.
Posted by
Berkeley CA
1307 posts
It's in the 16th at Trocadero but the Museum of Architecture and Patrimony might be interesting to you.
I was there last year for the special exhibit of the bronze statues of the saints from the roof of Notre Dame which, luckily, has been removed only days before the fire for cleaning. It was very special to see them up close and to read about them.
Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time in Paris. There is never a lack of new things to experience there!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13946 posts
Ellen, I am so glad you asked this question. I, also, have it on my "to-do list" (never-ending it seems) for my trip in April. It's been closed for a few years for reno and has just opened recently (well in the last year, lol).
Bets, I had no idea. Thanks for that perspective. I've also never made it to Quai Branley and had kind of put them together on the same day.
I was particularly interested in the current exhibition of Arts and Prehistory which is on until May. I saw the caves in the Dordogne in 2021 and was so awed. The museum has a fairly active and interesting FB page if you do Facebook.
And yes, still grateful to Sharyn for telling me about the statues in the Musee du Patrimonie. My word, they are terrific.