Because there isn’t just the Louvre or the Centre Pompidou, here an eclectic selection to discover other art and culture spots of Paris.
The Swedish Institute (L’Institut Suédois)
Situated in a nice Town house of the Marais district, the Swedish Institute of Paris is the only cultural centre of Sweden abroad. It presents a large collection of 600 paintings, 5000 works of art (drawings, aquarelles, and carvings) as well as sculptures. You will also find temporary exhibitions, concerts, debates and literary meetings. Finally, the “Swedish café” and its local specialities are another attraction of this very active cultural spot of Paris.
11 rue Payenne 75003
The Henri-Cartier Bresson Foundation
Situated in an elegant 20th century studio in the Montparnasse area, the foundation offers 3 exhibitions a year, alternating between the photographer’s works and works from other artists.
2 impasse Lebouis 75014
La Maison Rouge
The vocation of this foundation opened in 2004 and classified as being of public interest is to promote contemporary creation in all its forms. It presents both big international collections and young budding artists. The place, a rehabilitated factory, and the trendy organic restaurant “Rose Bakery” are yet other attractions that make the Maison Rouge an essential spot of contemporary art in Paris.
10 boulevard de la Bastille 75012
Le Bal
At the end of a dead end of the 18th arrondissement, this independent gallery is mainly dedicated to “the image in all its forms as a means of representing reality”. Photography, new media, videos… the Bal offers exhibitions, debates and meetings with the artists. It is a real neighbourhood cultural centre, based in a former ballroom of the Roaring Twenties.
6, impasse de la Défense 75018
The Martel Gallery (Galerie Martel)
In the 10th arrondissement, the Martel Gallery is an absolute must for all the fans of drawings and comics, where are exposed the original works of the most renowned illustrators (Topor, Crumb, Spiegelman …)
17, rue Marte 75010
The French Cinematheque
Since 2005 based in the 12th arrondissement, the cinematheque is a real film museum, offering both movie screenings and temporary exhibitions. It is a great place, where you can entirely trust the programme – with your eyes closed!
51, rue de Bercy 75012
Maison Européenne de la Photographie ((European House of Photography)
The “MEP” is – as revealed by the name – a cultural centre dedicated to French and international photography from the 1950s till now. Besides the library and video library, the exhibitions are a popular destination for Parisians.
5-7, rue de Fourcy 75004
The Galerie de multiples
It is an original place which aims to “participate in the accessibility of contemporary art”. To reach this objective, the gallery produces and broadcasts numerous original works that all ask the question of democratisation of art. Exhibitions are held all year long.
17, rue Saint-Gilles 75003
