I can never resist photographing beautiful Notre Dame de Paris. This Roman Cathoilic cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in Europe and was one of the first buildings in the world to use flying buttresses. Construction began in the 12th century, after the existing 4th century Saint-Étienne (which was sited […]
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Helmut Newton and Grand Palais
The Helmut Newton exhibit at the Grand Palais is a must-see for fashionistas (unfortunately, not me!) and photography lovers (me!) alike. This is the first retrospective in France since his death in 2004. There are more than 200 images on display (fashion, nudes, portraits), which all reveal Newton’s heightened power of sociological observation and humor. […]
Atget and Musée Carnavalet
I always jump at the chance to see an Atget exhibit. I love vintage street photography, which is, well, pretty much what defines Atget. Eugène Atget was the original street photographer. Throughout his career, he took thousands of photos of Paris, capturing its characters, architecture and street scenes. The current exhibit at the Carnavalet displays […]
Musée du Louvre
The Musée du Louvre is another icon that is even more stunning after dark. The Louvre is housed in the Palais du Louvre, which was built as a fort in the 12th century to store Philippe II’s scrolls, jewels and swords while he lived within spitting distance on the Ile de la Cité. Remnants of […]
Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is one of France’s oldest museums. Within its ornate galleries, it has impressive collections ranging from Egyptian art to the 20th century. Most notable is the late 18th century European collection and the 15th century Burgundian collection. The centerpiece is the former great hall, now called the Salles des Gardes, where […]
Musée d’Art Sacré
The only reasons to visit this museum are if you are already next door at the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne or if you are religious. Since I fell into the former category, it’s no surprise that I was more interested in the architecture than the museum’s dusty contents. The Musée d’Art Sacré occupies the […]
Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne
Although navigating quaint Dijon evokes the past, a visit to Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne really shows what everyday life was like. The museum, which occupies a 17th century Cistercian convent, is well worth a visit. It is spread over three levels: 19th century rural and Burgundian ethnographical heritage displays are on the ground floor, […]
Fort Lambert
In Luxembourg, there are ancient structures and eye-catching designs all over. This is one of my favorite combinations: the ruins of Fort Lambert adorned with Jean-Bernard Métais’ white aggregate and turf piece, “The Wave.” Fort Lambert was constructed in the 17th century. Then, it was a two-story pentagonal structure with a corresponding pentagonal courtyard protected […]
St. Georg
St. Georg’s original 18th century Baroque building was destroyed by bombs during WWII. This one was rebuilt in 1957. I liked the simple, nautical interior and the art exhibit right outside. St. Georg, church, Hamburg, Germany
St. Michaelis, or St. Michel
This is another one of Hamburg’s five Hauptkirchen (main church) and the most recognizable church in the city, thanks to its Baroque copper spire. It is dedicated to the archangel Michael, who is shown in action, defeating the devil, in a large bronze statue above the portal. The first church on this site dates back […]
