What’s on in Paris this January

1 January 2016

Visit Inspiring Exhibitions During a Four-Star Stay in the Capital

Home to many renowned museums, galleries and historic monuments, the ‘City of Light’ is the perfect destination for an inspiring cultural getaway. After walking down the well-trodden paths that lead to the likes of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, we encourage you to take in an array of fascinating exhibitions that explore diverse themes such as traditional African art, the impact of Le Corbusier’s only major urban project in India and dramatic adventures undertaken by 19th century sailors. Discover more during your winter stay at the four-star hotel Amarante Champs-Elysées by reading a guide to what’s on in Paris this January.

‘In the Cracks’ Exhibition

Musée de la Marine

Until 26th June 2016

Located within the grand surroundings of the Palais de Chaillot, a mere 20 minute stroll from our four-star hotel in Paris, the Musée de la Marine is offering the chance to explore the history and future of fishing. ‘Dans les Mailles du Filet’, ‘In the Cracks’, is its first temporary exhibition that explores a contemporary issue, which in this case is sustainability; beginning by looking at the history of cod fishing in Newfoundland, Greenland, Labrador and Iceland, before exploring the current issue of overfishing globally. Combining informative, multimedia displays with additional film excerpts, conferences, guided tours and workshops for children, this enlightening exhibition will provide an ideal day out for the whole family. 

The displays begin with a look at stories and developments in cod fishing, also known as ‘great fishing’, over a 500 year period that starts in the late 15th century. It offers the chance to find out more about the technical evolution of fishing boats, the economic growth the industry enjoyed from what was assumed to be an inexhaustible supply of cod, as well as the dangerous conditions sailors faced and how it impacted their families. Alongside history and fact, there are many pieces of fine art inspired by cod fishery on display; including those by the likes of Paul Signac and Guillaume Albert Demarest, as well as promotional posters that include those for films such as the 1924 ‘Iceland Fisherman’ that was inspired by Pierre Loti’s 1886 novel. The exhibition then looks at the impact of overfishing and asks questions about current resources and sustainability via opinions from scientists, fishermen, ship owners and associations related to the environment. With the United Nations stating that almost 30% of global fish stocks aren’t sustainable in the long term, this indepth exhibition should be ultimately thought-provoking. 

‘Masterpieces From Africa’ Exhibition 

Musée Dapper

Until 17th July 2016 

In tribute to its founder Michel Leveau, the Musée Dapper has brought together around 130 of its most important artefacts in one outstanding exhibition. Leveau passed away in 2012 after spending the last 30 years of his life creating the Dapper Foundation, which focusses on improving understanding, awareness and conservation of traditional Sub-Saharan African arts. The ‘Chefs-d'œuvre d'Afrique’ exhibition, which translates into ‘Masterpieces From Africa’, offers the chance to see a diverse range of antiquities that have been chosen for both their appearance and their roles in African societies; from masks and statues, to weapons and altars. 

The exhibition is split into two main sections; one focussing on Central Africa and the other on West Africa; in which artefacts are further grouped by aesthetics and their functions in terms of knowledge, practices and rituals. Some are linked to initiation, fertility and cures, while a sculpted wooden and metal Bwoon Kuba mask was used to guarantee the welfare of the King in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are many recurring forms and characteristics that follow both naturalism and abstraction, including features such as eyes half closed and arms across the bust. With rare works that have previously featured in collections owned by the likes of art dealer Paul Guillaume, sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein and business woman Helena Rubinstein, this unique exhibition is unmissable for any art fan staying at Amarante Champs-Elysées; located just a 12 minute walk away.

Chandigarh: 50 Years After Le Cobusier Exhibition

La Cité de l’Architecture & Du Patrimoine

Until 29th February 2016

In 1953, the city of Chandigarh – the new capital of Punjab – officially opened. As the first planned city in India after independence, Prime Minister Nehru employed the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier to design it with the assistance of a small team, and looked upon it as a symbol of freedom and modernity for the new nation. 50 years after Le Corbusier’s death, this intriguing exhibition explores the city’s creation, how it’s had to evolve to fit the needs of its inhabitants and what its actually like to live within it in the present day. Using video clips directed by Christian Barani, documents, original sketches, contemporary architectural models and objects, the seven section display aims to transport each visitor into the modern city and explore its design.

Le Corbusier’s only large scale urban project was nicknamed the ‘Switzerland of India’ in relation to the quality of life it could offer via vast green spaces and an adoption of the architect’s ideals for delivering improved urban living standards. However, considering the fact the city was originally built to house 150,000 to 500,000 inhabitants, and is now home to approximately 1,500,000, there have inevitably been changes including new neighbourhoods and transport systems. In tribute to the architect, the exhibition looks at his initial ideas such as the creation of four independent areas for living, working, recreation and circulation; as well as exploring ways the current population are attempting to preserve the city’s heritage whilst moving forward with modernisation. Covering the many different aspects of everyday life in Chandigarh, this exhibition will provide a fascinating day out within the grand surroundings of the Palais de Chaillot this January. 

From the chance to find out how to make a difference to the sustainability of fishing, to an in-depth exploration of Sub-Saharan African art and an opportunity to learn how Le Corbusier’s vision impacted generations in India, Paris’ exhibitions will deliver intriguing experiences to suit every interest this January.