Check out the Highlights of August here
Do what scares you and dare to be wild.
Earth spirit masks, Thailand, 2013
Paris, a city that over 2 million people call home, can seem a very scary place to those who don’t speak the language or those who identify as “minorities”.
Museums, on the other hand, are safe heavens. They are open and welcoming to anyone, or at least that’s how I like to think of them, and if their collections embrace diversity and exoticism, well, a few things can compare.
A collection of arrows, Oceania (19th and 20th centuries)
The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac can be defined as a place of exchange and openness, where anyone can safely roam through the open spaces and relate to one or two pieces. By hosting in its permanent collection about 3,500 works of art from Oceania, Asia, Africa and the Americas, the museum is obviously a hub of cultures, encouraging dialogue and collaboration across the seas.
I can honestly say that the quai Branly is my favorite go-to museum in Paris! This is also because I love the setting, by the Seine and with a close-up view of the Eiffel Tower. I just love going there.
The view on the way to the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
I as well adore the garden area at the quai Branly. It lights up at night with different colors and it reminds me of when I was younger and used to party in Southern Italy…
The beautiful garden at the quai Branly
And obviously I go for the collection, in all its splendour. My love for sculpture is not hidden! I especially love masks (from the Carnival traditions in my home country of Italy) and, well, the quai Branly has a wide selection of masks and temporary exhibits on world celebrations based on mask usage.
A collection of drums, Oceania (19th century)
Sculptures from Peru
Make it a priority to see the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac whenever in Paris. I’ll go with you!
For more information on the museum, check out the website.
musalley.com 