I'm reading Paris Reborn which explores Napoleon III's vision for a Paris that is fundamentally what Paris is now instead of the city no one wanted to visit because of its muddy, narrow, unattractive streets. It was a dirty and dangerous city with virtually no parks (I can't imagine) and many nondescript buildings. He employed Baron Haussmann who rebuilt Paris with his titular buildings in just 22 years! The beautiful, non-Haussmannian buildings in the Marais/Ile Saint-Louis predate Haussmann and were untouched by
him.
Is there a museum/exhibition that features the Haussmannian buildings/Haussmann and the architecture in the Marais/Saint-Louis area? I've looked online at the Architecture and Monuments Museum, but it doesn't seem to be what I'm looking for.
Posted by
Queens, NYC
582 posts
I don't know of any dedicated museum, but the Musée Carnavalet, devoted to the history of Paris and recently renovated, would likely be the closest shot. (It was actually on Haussmann's advice that the city purchased the building to use as a museum).
Posted by
France Southwest
2761 posts
Check out the "Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine" (City of Architecture and Heritage), located on Place du Trocadero (opposite the Eiffel Tower), which may have permanent or temporary exhibitions on this topic.
Posted by
OP
1208 posts
Thank you both for your responses. I have been to Musée Carnavalet since its renovation but wasn't looking for anything about Haussmann then. I'll have to return.
I will have to visit Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine which seems worthwhile beyond my interest .
What I do know about Haussmann's architecture and his life and about the architecture in the Marais/Saint-Louis, I have garnered from bits and pieces.
Thanks again.