Summary
The Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is a significant museum located in Paris, showcasing a vast array of modern and contemporary art. Opened in 1961, it offers free access to its permanent collections and focuses on the evolution of modern art from the 20th century to today.
Location and Contact Information:
The museum is situated in Paris’ 16th arrondissement, near Trocadero and adjacent to the Palais de Tokyo, another prominent contemporary arts venue.
Address:
11 avenue du Président Wilson
Metro/RER: Alma-Marceau or Iena; RER Pont de l’Alma (Line C)
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 40 00
Opening Hours and Tickets:
The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, with the ticket office closing at 5:45 pm. The museum remains closed on Mondays and French public holidays.
On Thursdays, the museum extends its hours until 10:00 pm for exhibitions, with ticket counters closing at 5:15 pm (9:15 pm on Thursdays).
Tickets: Admission to the permanent collections is free for all visitors. However, entry fees apply for temporary thematic exhibits, so it’s advisable to check in advance. Entry to temporary shows is complimentary for visitors under 13 years old.
Nearby Sights and Attractions:
The museum is conveniently located near some of West Paris’ most popular attractions and peaceful neighborhoods, including:
- Trocadero
- Palais de Tokyo (adjoining contemporary arts museum)
- Passy and the 16th Arrondissement
- Maison de Balzac
- Eiffel Tower
Highlights of the Permanent Exhibit at the Musee d’Art Moderne:
The permanent collection is thoughtfully organized into chronological sections, showcasing the evolution of contemporary art movements from 1901 to the present day.
“Historical” Tour
This section highlights significant works from Fauvism, Cubism, and Orphism, featuring renowned artists such as Delaunay and Léger. A wing dedicated to Surrealism presents works by Picabia, while another space exhibits pieces reflecting the “School of Paris,” marked by their bold lines and figuration.
Contemporary Tour
Beginning with the 1960s, this segment of the museum presents fresh acquisitions. It emphasizes movements like New Realism, Fluxus, and Narrative Figuration, alongside abstract art. Key works from Deschamps, Klein, and Soulages are displayed, alongside pieces from innovative, lesser-known artists who challenge traditional norms and techniques within art. This tour illustrates how post-1960s artists have increasingly blurred the lines between species of art, employing unconventional materials and presentations.
Basement
In the basement, the Boltanski Gallery showcases works from the eponymous artist. The Salle Noire features contemporary video installations from artists such as Absalon and Rosemarie Trockel.
Other Works
Beyond these primary sections, the permanent collection also includes galleries dedicated to celebrated painters like Matisse and Dufy, alongside various works from contemporary artists.
