I am going to buy a Paris Museum pass and have seen a few museums that interest me but that are not in the RS book too much, maybe because these are not the "Artsy" ones he likes so much. Has anyone been to these and if so, can you comment on them? 1. Musee des Arts et Metiers (Scientific Inventions) 2. Musee de Cinema (History of Cinema) 3. Musee de la Musique (Musical Instruments)
4. Cite des Sciences (Science Museum) PS - don't worry, we are going to go to the popular ones too, but I am mostly interested in comments/suggestions/advice on the four listed above. Thanks!!
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Only one I can comment on is #4 - It's nice, but admission to all the different pieces and parts can add up fast and make for one very expensive visit!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
The Musee des Arts et Metiers is only really worthwhile if you have an interest in scientific and engineering instruments. They used to have a fascinating road transport section about 20 years ago, but they removed most of it from display according to the current fashion to only have a few "statement" large objects in a room.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Ralph, I am disgusted with myself,, I actually found that amusing.. I am now going to soak the poison out of my brain.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
Technically that would be the Museum of Chinese Tourists located on the ground floor at the Gallerie Lafayette.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
We enjoyed touring the Victor Hugo home and also in the same area is the home (free) of the owner of the former Samartaine Dept Store-many interesting collections there. Can't comment on those that you mention.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
The Musee de Cinema is relatively small, and has some interesting exhibits. I don't think it's worth a special trip, but if you are already going to see a film at the Cinemateque, it's certainly worth alloting some time for (that's how I saw it - included in my Museum Pass and with some time to kill before seeing a film there).
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4037 posts
Fans of architecture may like a look-around at the cinematheque because it was redeveloped by superstar Frank Gehry. http://www.cinematheque.fr/ (in French) or Wikipedia in English http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cin%C3%A9math%C3%A8que_Fran%C3%A7aise The Bercy area is worth a wander too, on the east side of the 12th arrondisment with extensive park gardens leading to the redeveloped Bercy Village, now shops and bistos.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
LOL. Me too Pat. :)
Posted by
OP
Austin, Texas, USA
540 posts
Thanks for the comments thus far. Has anyone been to the Science Museum(#4) or the Musical Instrument Museum(#3)?
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
542 posts
We visited the Musee de la Musique , but so long ago that I'm not sure my comments would be useful. But, here goes: The museum is a bit out of the way, but can certainly be reached by Metro. I recall lots of antique musical instruments on display, some of them with recordings so you can hear how they sound. We enjoyed it because we are amateur musicians and liked seeing and hearing the evolution of our respective instruments.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
I've been to the Arts et Metiers - it was ok, be sure to get the audio guide in English if you aren't fluent in French - the exhibits are almost all labeled in French only. Others that are interesting but aren't "arty" - Musee de l'Armee - more interesting than one (woman) would think Nissim de Camondo - see how the "other half" lived Musee des Egouts - tour the sewers, not nearly as unpleasant as one would expect
Pantheon - not so much for the building (which is lovely) but spend a couple euros and take the tour up the dome - great views of Paris