SuZan Klassen

Guest Post by Molly Totoro.
Molly has visited Paris several times so I’m thrilled to have her share her experience this week.

Paris may be known as the City of Lights, but it is also a city of museums. Of course everyone has heard of the Louvre, home to such renowned masterpieces as the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory.

Many are familiar with the Musee d’Orsay, the transformed train station that now houses many of the world’s most famous Impressionist paintings. And I am certain those who enjoy modern art have heard of the Centre Pompidou, a crisp, clean museum that houses an incredible collection as well as a comprehensive gift shop.

But Paris is also home to several smaller, equally excellent museums offering focused collections of art. There is the Musee Rodin (The Thinker), the Musee Marmottan (19th century townhouse filled with some of Monet’s original work), and my personal favorite, the Musee de l’Orangerie. I never would have discovered this honey-hole if I had not purchased the Museum Pass.

Travel Tips If you plan to stay in Paris for any extended period of time, the Museum Pass is well worth the money. Here are some advantages of the pass:
• It allows you to by-pass the long ticket line
• If time is money to you, you’ll appreciate this value
• It allows you to revisit museums as often as you like
• Choose between 2, 4 or 6 day passes
• Longer passes make it possible to see more of the large collections found at the Louvre or the Pompidou

I purchased my Museum Pass online through this website: http://en.parismuseumpass.com

On the day I planned to visit the Tuileries Garden, Louvre, and d’Orsay…I arrived a bit early. Since I had already purchased the pass, I decided to visit the l’Orangerie; after all, it was free.

The Musee de l’Orangerie is tucked away at the front of the Tuileries Garden, and the entrance to the museum offers a nice view of the Eiffel Tower. In fact, I debated about sitting on one of the benches and having a picnic lunch, but resisted.

The one reason why you MUST see this museum is the exquisite showcase of Monet’s Water Lilies. Two large oval rooms surround you with these serene images.

It is a sacred place—few words are spoken as those in attendance marvel at Monet’s work. As you walk the circumference, you can almost hear the rippling water and smell the fragrant flowers.

The work in the first room is a bit more vibrant; those showcased in the second room Monet painted in his later years. You can identify his failing eyesight in the muted scenes.
Since Monet designed these murals to be seen this way it was worth the cost of admission. However, downstairs I found an entire museum of Impressionist art. It introduced me to new artists I have come to dearly love. When I return to Paris I plan to revisit this museum again…and again…and again.

Molly Totoro is a retired high school English teacher who is currently writing a Middle Grade novel that introduces students to the French Impressionists. Molly firmly believes if young students are introduced to the classics in a fun, engaging way – they will not be intimidated to study them in high school. Molly also enjoys reading, travel, and photography. She frequently shares these passions, and her Paris obsession, on her blog: My Cozy Book Nook.

Thank you, Molly. You’ve certainly convinced me of the value of that Museum Pass.

What about you? What are your favorite museums? What tips do you have for exploring them?

Until next time…Travel Light,
SuZan
© 2016 SuZan Klassen