Monday, July 24, 2017

A Favorite French Musee

Today I am going to take you to my favorite museum in Paris -- The Musee de Cluny (also known as Musee national du Moyen Age) and often called Cluny. Here's a little traveling music. You'll find it in Paris' 5th arrondissement not far from the Sorbonne.


The museum's home is an exceptional Parisian monument -- the Cluny Abbey Hotel, which was built in the late 15th century, partially on remains of third century Gallo-Roman baths.


Its styles combine Gothic and Renaissance architecture and you'll find gargoyles dormers and craggy walls.


To tourists, Cluny may be best known for housing the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries (15th century).


The tapestries have their own room, a windowless chamber (and getting pix here is tough without flash!)


Considered one of the greatest works of art from Middle Ages Europe, there are six scenes that tell the story of chivalry, virtue and romance. Look carefully to discover which of the senses the tapestry depicts -- sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and one often interpreted as Love. The detail on the stitching is exquisite.


But there are other remarkable treasures here as well, including medieval sculptures...


illuminated manuscripts and stunning stained glass.


The stained glass is really remarkable, the colors as vibrant and beautiful as they no doubt were the day they were made.


The collection of medieval and Renaissance art and objects came largely from Alexandre du Sommerard and was acquired by the state upon his death. The museum opened in 1843.


There is a great sense of peace in this museum. It's more than the religious and historical artifacts that lend to the feeling of sacred space.


It is simply a feeling that surrounds you, wandering in the quiet, cool areas.


This isn't on everyone's "see it on my first trip to Paris" list -- but I would encourage one who loves history to rethink that! It's well worth it.



Happy to join in this week with Paris In July and Dreaming of France as links become available.


At both sites you'll find links related to French travel, museums, films, books, music and more.

33 comments:

21 Wits said...

Excellent museum it would probably be my favorite too! It was fun seeing it here today.

Valerie-Jael said...

What a wonderful place, I got goose-pimples just looking at the photos, so lovely. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

Sim Carter said...

We went to Paris in May. I am SO SORRY I missed this beautiful museum if only because I adore the door!

Here's my Dreaming of France post

eileeninmd said...

Hello, it is a beautiful museum. I love the art work and sculptures. Thanks for sharing your visit. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

Joanne Huffman said...

On my list of places to go.

Pam said...

Loving the pics but I really, really love that PURPLE door! My all time fav color and it looks GREAT as s door. Haha...if that fan was in a floor model, the fan part on a stand I would get it even though I don't need it! It would look amazing in my room with the bedspread!!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'm simply thrilled I can live vicariously through your camera lens. Not just stunning but mesmerizing, too.

Barbara said...

Thank you so much for sharing the photographs it looks like a wonderful place to visit.

My name is Erika. said...

I've been to Paris once and did not see this museum, but I am going to put it on my second trip to Paris list. It looks amazing Jeanie. I wish life was such that when you visit a place you like you could stay for a long time and really see everything, but sadly, at least with my life its not how it works. But it is nice to have something to go back and see. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed seeing these and learning about the Cluny. Hugs-Erika

Sandra Cox said...

OMGosh. Simply majestic. That would truly be a treat to see.

Red Rose Alley said...

What a wonderful museum. Just my kind of place, Jeanie. The statues and stained glass are beautiful. Nel visited a church once in her travels with Gothic architecture and gargoyles. She thought it was so interesting. The front of the building with the purple door is charming. Thanks for sharing your travel experiences with us, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Joyful said...

Your photos and commentary make me yearn to travel to Paris. Sadly it will be a while yet before I get there due to other priorities :-( But I can enjoy through your lovely blog pics and commentary. Have a great week. xx

Tracy said...

Oh, the beauty... I'm there... in my heart and mind... This is my kinda place! ;) This would definitely be on my list. And I LOVE when you take us back to Paris, Jeanie--thanks! :) ((HUGS))

Bonnie said...

Thank you so much Jeannie, for posting about this museum. We missed this one on our visits to Paris. You have wetted my appetite to see it. I'm hoping there will be an opportunity.
Very lovely and we were so close to it the last time we were there.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I never made it to this musée while I was in Paris, but your tour (including the music) sent chills up my spine and reminded me of one of the MANY reasons why I love France. The history and artistry is PHENOMENAL!

Stacey said...

Absolutely amazing!

Barbara said...

Thank you for the wonderful tour through Cluny. I have never been to France, so this was a real treat. I turned on the music, which really set the mood. I have also been enjoying Postcards from the Lake. It is truly fun to read about other people's travels. It is like going there for free. Thank you so much, Jeanie, for visiting my posts and leaving your inspiring comments.

La Table De Nana said...

We only went to d'Orsay and skimmed:(

We literally lost so much time w/ the thefts..etc..a shame really..I would have loved this one!

Doodle T said...

You had me at the front door...Enchanting...the marble sculptures almost seem to breathe. Just Beautiful.

Paulita said...

Jeanie, I love the Musee du Moyen Age also. Like you, I just enjoy walking in the building and feeling the history, being connected to people from those many centuries ago.
Thanks for playing along with Dreaming of France. Here’s my Dreaming of France meme

Rita C at Panoply said...

Oh Jeanie! I believe if I ever get to Paris this may be very high on my list of things to see! Thank you for sharing, and I find your pictures wonderfully captivating - the low light just adds to the drama of the pieces and architecture. Beautiful religious artifacts too. To see those artifacts from so long ago in person would be utterly fascinating to me!

Danielle L Zecher said...

We've recently decided to start saving up for an international trip. These posts are good motivation! :-)

Kitty said...

Thanks so much for the tour of the museum. And the music is a great background. The statue of the lady toward the end of your post looks just like my mother did back in the 50's. It's such a small world?

Bella Rum said...

Thank you, Jeanie. The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are exquisite. It's amazing that they remain so vivid after all these years. No windows indeed.

Sketchbook Wandering said...

What gorgeous photos!! I love this museum too. On my last visit to Paris I used to have my coffee and croissant every morning in the Park right across from Cluny!

Sketchbook Wandering said...

PS I played the music while looking at the photos! How creative of you, setting a mood...

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Everything is so beautiful Jeanie. The tapestries have stolen my heart, so much detail and the colors are beautiful. I am enjoying this tour and the music!
jemma

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I have walked by this museum several times but have never been! I will have to check it out on my next visit to Paris as it looks like an amazing spot with so much to see! My favorite museum in Paris is d'Orsay! I love that it's not overwhelming and the museum itself is beautiful since it's an old train station. But there are so many amazing museums in Paris that it's hard to pick just one as a favorite!!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, what beautiful photos of the fabulous offerings of history and art rolled into this amazing museum. I love visiting with you through the lens of your camera. You are an excellent tour guide!

BeachGypsy said...

MERCY no!--I'm not reading ALL THOSE books, lOL---I picked several from the list. The ones I finished were really good like the Lee Smith one--very short one, and the Karen White one was great as well as my favorites Dot Frank and Mary Alice Monroe. I'm tackling a few of the others but no way would I get to all, ha ha LOL I'm a big reader but have really slowed down as I got older. And I do spend time with the blogs now instead of picking up a book, as well as lots of time with our granddaughter, our long walks and my photography hobby. Really have to pace myself as I aged, ha ha LOL

BeachGypsy said...

I really enjoyed this post! Knew nothing about this place! Blogging is so great---we learn SO MUCH DON'T WE?? love it. The pictures and the treasures are so interesting! Wow that building is OLD OLD OLD! I'm so attracted to the old things and the history. Thank you for sharing this! I have two questions--do you speak/understand French? I cannot even pronounce the words there because I didnt take French in school, I took Spanish so I figure out alot of Spanish still and know the pronounciations well. Also, do you think Cluny lace was named after this Cluny is your post? I've seen Cluny lace on wedding gowns, just a random thought. LOL Hope you are having a great day!

Esme said...

This is such a fun museum. I love the tapestries. Have you ever read the book the Lady and the Unicorn. I took my dad here-aside from the throngs of school children he quite enjoyed it. So much that he still talks about it.

Marilyn Miller said...

As soon as I saw that first picture I knew where you were taking us. I absolutely love the Cluny!!! I have been there twice and would go again just to sit and take in the beauty.

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