I have been meaning to get to the Musée de Sevres for years but somehow just never got there. I recently saw enticing posters for the Ettore Sottass show and it was the perfect excuse to finally go. Musée de Sevres is right outside of Paris on the end of the # 9 metro line and I went last Sunday with my friends Laurie and Blair.
We had to walk over the bridge on the freezing day to get tot the museum. It’s located in one of those great Beaux-Arts buildings from the 1800s. The entrance had two enormous Delft-like blue and white vases in front and I already knew I was in for a treat.
Once inside there was a sweeping two-sided stone stairway and at the top in the rotunda was an exquisite and delicate white porcelain statue of two goddesses holding colored flowers in their hands connected to a blue porcelain base.
The enormous room after that had dozens of vases from different time periods perched on pedestals. I had fun trying to guess which time period each vase was from and sometimes very surprised how modern some of them were from the 1700s and 1800s.
In the next few rooms was a chronological display in glass cases of Sevres porcelain from the late 1700s till present day. It was fascinating to see different styles of plates, cups, platters, vases, pitchers, planters, and soup tureens.
On the third floor was the Ettore Sottass show and I was transported from the world of fine delicately detailed porcelain and china to sleek and bold modern day Italian glass. The use of color and the architectural yet unusual shapes were astounding. Each piece was a masterpiece.
Ettore Sottass (1917-2007) was raised in Milan. The multi-talented architect had an incredible range and versatility and designed furniture, jewelry, ceramics, glass, silver work, lighting, office machines, (one of his first jobs was working at Olivetti), and buildings. Sottass was one of the founding members of the Memphis design movement in the early 1980s.
After the rush from the Sottass show I went downstairs to view the permanent collection of ceramics and porcelain from around the world. The collections from Italy, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, South America, and China date from the early 1300s to 1900s.
Manufacture de Sevres was founded in 1738 with the support of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour.
Musée de Sevres has moved to the top of my list of favorite Paris museums. Put it on the top of your Paris to do list next time you visit or if you live here.
Musée de Sevres
2 Place de la Manufacture 92310 Sèvres
Metro: Pont de Sevres (exit 2)
Open 10AM to 5PM daily, except Tuesday
http://www.sevresciteceramique.fr
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
Looks fabulous and we're always looking for a new museum. Thanks so much for this!
Posted by: Linda | March 06, 2013 at 01:59 PM
We were there last May on a Saturday and the gift shop was closed. Have you been to their other gift shop in downtown Paris? It was closed for remodeling when we were there in May to reopen June 1 after we left.
Posted by: Summer for Swede | March 06, 2013 at 04:12 PM