I Prefer Paris

June 2023 Eye Need To Do’s: Naples in Paris, La Boheme, Leon Monet, and Parc Floral Jazz Festival

La Boheme

Puccini’s beloved opera, La Boheme, is having two productions in two separate venues in June.

Theatre Champs Elysees June 15-24 https://rb.gy/1s3o2

Paris Opera Bastille June 1 & June 4

https://rb.gy/ihr28

Naples in Paris

The Museo de Capodimonte, one of the most important museums in Italy, located in Naples, has lent the Louvre 60 of their most significant works from the 15^th the 17^th century. Artists include Titian, Caravaggio, Annibale Carracci, Cellini and Guido Reni.

June 7, 2023 to January 8, 2024

Louvre

https://www.louvre.fr/en/what-s-on/exhibitions/naples-in-paris

Leon Monet

Did you know that Claude Monet had a brother who was an art collector? Leon Monet, a Rouen-based industrialist, and collector not only supported his brother, but he also had a formidable art collection. Now on view at the Musée du Luxembourg, the collection includes paintings by Monet, Sisley, Renoir, and Pissarro.

Until July 16, 2023

Musée du Luxembourg

19 rue de Vaugirard, 75006

https://museeduluxembourg.fr/en/agenda/evenement/leon-monet

Parc Floral Jazz Festival

The Parc Floral Jazz Festival offers 12 free outdoor jazz performances in addition to night time concerts with paid admission.

June 28 to September 8, 2023

Parc Floral

118 route de la Pyramide,75012

https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/what-to-see-in-paris/concerts-music-festival/articles/53319-paris-jazz-festival-2023-at-the-parc-floral-here-is-the-program-of-free-and-night-concerts

May 2023 Eye Need To Do’s: Fete du Pain, Saint Germain Jazz Festival, Paris/Capital of Gastronomy, and Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs

Fete Du Pain

It’s a 9-day carbs marathon in front of the hallowed ground of Notre Dame. The best bakers in France set up shop in a huge tent to compete for prizes such as best almond croissant, the best apple turnover, the best croissant, and the ultimate prize, the best baguette in Paris and in the various regions of France. Breads are baked on the premises plus there will be FREE tastings, demonstrations, and lectures.  

May 13-21

Parvis de Notre Dame, 75004

https://www.sp-boulangerieparis.fr

Saint Germain Jazz Festival

Some of the best, international jazz artists will be jamming in venues around Saint Germain des Pres. Artists include Rhoda Scott, Laurent Cugny, Richard Galliano, and pianist Yaron Herman will be doing a solo performance in an open-air concert.

May 10-17

https://festivaljazzsaintgermainparis.com/home/

Paris/Capital of Gastronomy

A fascinating new exhibition, Paris/Capital of Gastronomy traces the culture of food in Paris from the middle-ages to the present day and includes the history of restaurants, cafes, boulangeries, and pastry shops.

Until July 16, 2023

La Conciergerie

Ile de Cité, 75004

https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/what-to-visit-in-paris/exhibit-museum/articles/289338-paris-capital-of-gastronomy-the-exhibition-that-makes-us-hungry-at-the-conciergerie-photos

Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs

Over 180 artifacts from the time of the Pharaohs will be on display, focusing on the works from the time of Ramses II, who was responsible for the building of Egypt’s most prized works including the temple of Luxor, Karnak, and Abu Simbel.

Until September 6, 2023

La Grande Halle de la Villette

211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019

https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/what-to-visit-in-paris/exhibit-museum/articles/239768-ramses-and-the-gold-of-the-pharaohs-the-incredible-exhibition-to-discover-at-la-villette-our-photos

 

April 2023 Eye Need To Do’s: Elliott Erwitt, Maurice Bejart, Basquiat X Warhol, and Sarah Bernhardt

Elliott Erwitt: A Retrospective

Elliott Erwitt was one of the most significant American photographers and photojournalists of the 20^th century. Some of his most memorable photos were of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, and Alfred Hitchcock. The exhibition has over 215 color and black-and-white works.

Until August 15, 2023

Musée Maillol

59-61 rue de Grenelle, 75007

https://museemaillol.com/en/expositions/elliot-erwitt-2/

Maurice Bejart

The prolific choreographer Maurice Bejart had a long-lasting partnership with the Paris Opera Ballet for over 40 years. Three of his greatest ballets, L’Oiseau de Feu, Le Chant du compagnon errant, and Bolero will be performed.

April 21 to May 8, 2023

Opera Bastille

https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/season-22-23/ballet/maurice-bejart#calendar

Basquiat X Warhol: Painting Four Hands

One of the most highly anticipated exhibitions this spring, Basquiat X Warhol: Painting Four Hands, is about the collaboration of both artists between 1984 and 1985. They produced 160 paintings and some of them are the biggest canvasses they ever painted. The expansive show has over 300 works including pieces by other artists of the time such as Keith Haring, Jenny Holzer, Kenny Scharf, and Michael Halsband, reflecting the vibrant New York art scene of the 1980s.

April 5 to August 28, 2023

Fondation Louis Vuitton

8, Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi Bois de Boulogne, 75116

https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/events/basquiat-x-warhol-painting-4-hands

Sarah Bernhardt: The Woman Who Created the Star

The Divine Sarah aka Sarah Bernhardt was one of the first superstar actresses, whose long career spanned from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. A legend of her time, she acted in some of the greatest plays by playwrights Racine, Shakespeare, Edmond Rostand, and Alexandre Dumas. The exhibition displays over 400 works and includes paintings, photos, artifacts, costumes, posters from her performances, and other memorabilia. Fun fact: Sarah Bernhardt was also a painter, and some of her paintings are displayed in the exhibition.

April 14 to August 27, 2023

Petit Palais

Avenue Winston-Churchill 75008

https://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en/expositions/sarah-bernhardt

Lost in Frenchlation is a terrific organization that screens current French and foreign films with English subtitles. Checkout this link https://www.facebook.com/lostinfrenchlation/ to view films being screened this month. 

 

March 2023 Eye Need to Do’s: Matisse, 1997 Fashion Big Bang, Eternal Mucha, and Manet/Degas

Matisse. Cahiers d’art, le tournant des années 30

In 1930, Matisse left France to paint in Tahiti and was followed there by the avant garde publication Cahiers d’art magazine. This new exhibition at the L' Orangerie covers the 10 year period with many rarely shown works.

March 1 to May 29, 2023

Musée de l'Orangerie
Jardin des Tuileries
Place de la Concorde (Seine side) 75001

https://www.musee-orangerie.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/matisse-cahiers-dart-pivotal-1930s

1997 Fashion Big Bang

1997 was a watershed year in fashion, bringing it into the 21^st century. 1997 Fashion Big Bang show exhibits over 50 designs from the cutting-edge designers of the time including Hedi Slimane, Stella McCartney, Nicolas Ghesquière, Olivier Theyskens, Alexander McQueen, Martin Margiela, Comme des Garcons, and John Galliano.

March 7 to July 16, 2023

Palais Galliera

10 Avenue Pierre Ier de Serbie, 75116

https://www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr/en/exhibitions/1997-fashion-big-bang

Eternal Mucha

An immersive experience, Eternal Mucha, visually presents the iconic works of one of the most popular artists from the 20^th century, Alphonse Mucha, who elevated the female form and turned into early pop art.

March 22, to November 5, 2023

Grand Palais Immersif, 110 rue de Lyon, 75012

https://grandpalais-immersif.fr/en/agenda/evenement/eternel-mucha

Manet/Degas

Eduoard Manet and Edgar Degas were two of the most influential and recognized artists of their generation in the late 1800s. This new exhibit explores the contrasts in their work and the close friendship they shared.

March 28 to July 23, 2023

Musee d’Orsay

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/manet-degas

Lost in Frenchlation is a terrific organization that screens current French and foreign films with English subtitles. Checkout this link https://www.facebook.com/lostinfrenchlation/ to view films being screened this month. 

 

 

February 2023 Eye Need to Do’s: Serge Gainsbourg, Faith Ringgold, Mardi Gras in Paris & 1,001 Orchids

Serge Gainsbourg- Le Mot Exact

The original hipster, Serge Gainsbourg was the definition of 70s cool with his raspy, sexy, smokey voice crooning songs he wrote and performed. In addition, he was a novelist and was profoundly influenced by poetry and literature. This new exhibit contains over manuscripts written by Gainsbourg along with books from his personal library from his Paris home.

Until May 8, 2023

Centre Pompidou

https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/program/calendar/event/sERpg1R

Faith Ringgold- Black is Beautiful

I saw a show of Faith Ringgold’s work in New York last year and was blown away by her talent and artistry. Ringgold is a painter, sculptor, writer, and performer and one of the leading black, female artists recording and documenting the black experience of America. In her fist show in Paris, she relates with the Parisian art scene and Picasso, especially “Demoiselles d’Avignon” from the early 20^th century through her art works.

Until July 2, 2023

Musee Picasso

5 rue Thorigny, 75003

https://www.museepicassoparis.fr/en

Mardi Gras in Paris: La Promenade de Bœuf Gras

Paris brings in the Mardi Gras with La Promenade du Boeuf Gras (literally, March of the Fat Beef Cow), a traditional celebration led by a hefty French cow from Limousin, where some of the finest beef in France is produced, wearing a bright red dress. Her partner is Pat the Clown plus about 5,000 festively dressed participants singing and dancing.

February 19, 2023, 1pm-5pm

The parade starts at Place Gambetta & ends at Place de Republique

http://www.carnaval-paris.org

1,001 Orchids

In its tenth edition of the 1,001 Orchids show, over 700 varieties of exotic and rare orchids are on display. There’s also a pop-up orchid shop next to the exhibit.

February 8 to March 6, 2023

Grand Serres du Jardin des Plantes

47-57 rue Cuvier, 75005 or 2, 8, 18 rue Buffon, 75005

https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/fr/programme/galeries-jardins-zoo-bibliotheques/mille-orchidees-3683

Lost in Frenchlation is a terrific organization that screens current French and foreign films with English subtitles. Checkout this link https://www.facebook.com/lostinfrenchlation/ to view films being screened this month. 

I want to thank everyone for their thoughtful comments and condolences for my friend Cheryl Matzker, who passed away last week. CLICK HERE  to read if you missed the blog post. Unfortunately, the photo I posted of Cheryl didn't appear,  so here it is. 

January 2023 Eye Need to Do’s: Ca d’Oro, Kimono, Annees 80, and Cabaret

Ca’ d’Oro, Masterpieces of the Renaissance in Venice

Discover the glory and beauty of the Renaissance in Venice at the Hotel de la Marine. Over 70 works from the greatest artists of the period including Pisanello, Tintoretto, Titian, Alessandro Vittoria, Bartolomeo Bellano, and Andrea Riccio are on loan from museum in Venice during its renovation.

Until March 26, 2023

Hotel de la Marine

Place de la Concorde, 75008

https://www.hotel-de-la-marine.paris/en/The-visit/The-visitor-circuits/La-visite/The-Al-Thani-Collection

Kimono

Over 200 dazzling kimonos are on display which trace the history of the iconic Japanese garment with latter day kimonos designed by Paul Poiret, John Galliano, and Yohji Yamamoto and one worn by Freddie Mercury.

Until May 23, 2023

Musee Quai Branly

Quai Branly, 75007

https://www.quaibranly.fr/en/exhibitions-and-events/at-the-museum/exhibitions/event-details/e/kimono

Annees 80

The 1980s in France comes alive again with an invigorating tribute to the significant design and graphics of the decade. Superstars Jean Paul Gaultier, Philippe Starck, Thuerry Mugler, Jean-Paul Goude, and Jean-Baptiste Mondino are represented along with over 700 works including objects, furniture, fashion silhouettes, posters, photographs, clips, album covers and fanzines.

Until April 23, 2023

MAD Museum

107 rue de Rivoli, 75001

https://madparis.fr/Annees-80-Mode-design-et-graphisme-en-France-2292

Cabaret

The beloved and provocative musical Cabaret makes its debut in Paris at the famed Lido on the Champs Elysees. Cabaret is performed in English with French subtitles.

Until February 3

116 bis avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008

https://billetterie.lido2paris.com/en

 

November 2022 Eye Need to Do’s : A Shaded View on Fashion, Gold by YSL, Rosa Bonheur, and Art Deco France

A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival

Fashion and style influencer Diane Pernet is presenting the 14^th edition of A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival along with the president of jury Caroline de Maigret and president of honor Jean Charles de Castelbajac. There will be over 100 films shown including full length features, shorts, and documentaries and subjects include artist Jean Michel Basquiat, Azzedine Alaia, and Guy Bordin.

There will be a special screening of my partner Vincent Gagliostro’s debut film “After Louie” on Saturday, November 12 @ 12pm.

A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival

November 10- 13, 2022

Address: 35-37 rue de Francs Bourgeois, 75003

https://filmfreeway.com/ASVOFF/tickets

Gold by Yves Saint Laurent

In celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the first collection Yves Saint Laurent presented in 1962, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is presenting, Gold, an exhibition documenting the fascination St. Laurent had with gold. Over 40 haute couture and pret a porter pieces from five decades of his collections are presented and it includes jewelry, accessories, and perfume bottles. Saint Laurent brilliantly used brocade, lace, lamé, sequins, leather, and embroidery as his canvases.

Until May 14, 2023

Musee Yves Saint Laurent Paris

5 Ave. Marceau, 75116

https://museeyslparis.com/en/exhibitions/gold

Rosa Bonheur

Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) was a female trailblazer in the mid to late 1800s, recognized as one of the first female artists of the period. She was deeply committed to representing the soul of animals in her portraits in almost photographic detail. This major event in conjunction with the Musee D’Orsay and Musée des Beaux-Arts from her native city of Bordeaux, presents over 200 pieces- paintings, graphic arts, sculptures, and photographs, from the top museums and private collections from Europe and the U.S.A.

Until January 15, 2023

Musee D’Orsay

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/rosa-bonheur-1822-1899

Art Deco France/Amerique du Nord

Art Deco France/Amerique du Nord explores the rich period from the late 19th century until 1930 of the Art Deco design and architecture movement in France and the influence it had in the North America during the same period. Over 100 American and Canadian were schooled at the famed Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1880-1900, and they returned home to create some of the most influential Art Deco buildings in major cities. The exhibition also displays jewelry, furniture, home and tabletop objects, and clothing, all inspired by the Art Deco movement.

Until March 6, 2023

Cité de Architecture

Place Trocadero, 75116

https://www.citedelarchitecture.fr/fr/agenda/exposition/art-deco-france-amerique-du-nord

Lost in Frenchlation is a terrific organization that screens current French and foreign films with English subtitles. Checkout this link https://www.facebook.com/lostinfrenchlation/ to view films being screened this month. 

October 2022 Eye Need to Do’s: Zoe Leonard: Al Rio, Monet/Mitchell, Paris Blue & Munch

Zoe Leonard: Al Rio

One of the most gifted artists of her generation, Zoe Leonard brings her highly acclaimed exhibit, Al Rio, to Paris. The prolific exhibit explores the geography of great American river, the Rio Grande, that divides the U.S. and Mexico with over 300 black and white photos, while it also touches upon society, culture, and the environment.

October 15, 2022 to January 29, 2023

Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris

11 Ave. President Wilson, 75116

https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-show-exhibition/272592/zoe-leonard-al-rio-To-the-river

Monet/Mitchell

Claude Monet and Joan Mitchell, both artistic masters of landscape and gardens in the 19^th and 20^th century, have come together to create a visual dialogue gapping their generations. The 60 plus paintings in the exhibition capture Monet’s garden in Giverny and Mitchell’s abstract works she painted from the 1960s to the 1980s, in the village of Vétheuil near Giverny.

October 5, 2022 to February 27, 2023

Fondation Louis Vuitton

8, Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi Bois de Boulogne, 75116

https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/events/claude-monet-joan-mitchell

Paris Blue: A Memoir of First Love

The talented author and musician Julie Skolnick will be sharing about her romantic memoir, Paris Blue: A Memoir of First Love, about her first true love she met in Paris in 1976 and will also give a flute concert accompanied by pianist Aurelien Pontier.

October 12, 7pm-8:30pm

Reid Hall

4 rue de Chevreuse, 75006

https://globalcenters.columbia.edu/events/paris-blue-memoir-first-love-7-pm-paris

Edward Munch: A Poem of Life, Love, and Death

A sweeping retrospective of the genius of Norwegian painter Edward Munch will cover his entire career with over 100 works, including paintings, drawings, prints, and engravings.

Until January 22, 2023

Musee d’Orsay

1 rue de la Légion d'Honneur 75007

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/edvard-munch-poem-life-love-and-death

September 2022 Eye Need to Do’s: Frida Kahlo, Fred Jewelry, Johann Heinrich Füssli, and Jazz A La Villette

Frida Kahlo-Beyond Appearances

The most revered female artist of the 20^th century, Frida Kahlo, is having major retrospective at the fashion museum of Paris, Palais Galliera. Over 200 articles including garments, accessories, correspondence, cosmetics, medicines and orthopedic aids are on loan from the Frida Kahlo Museum, they offer a rare, personal glimpse into the enigma of Frida Kahlo.

September 15, 2022 to March 5, 2023

Palais Galliera

10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116

https://www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr/en/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-au-dela-des-apparences

Fred Jewelry Exhibition

Over 450 dazzling baubles, bangles, and beads from the legendary French jewelry house Fred will be on display for the first time ever plus drawings, videos, and photos. A highlight is the Soleil D’or”, a 100 carat, yellow diamond ring.

September 28, 2022 to October 24, 2022

Palais de Tokyo

13, Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116

https://www.fred.com/en-int/actualities/edito-expo-fred.html

Füssli, The Realm of Dreams and the Fantastic

 Swiss-born British artist Johann Heinrich Füssli,used themes of Shakespeare, the bible. female forms, dreams, obsessions  and apparitions, in his work in the late 18^th and early 19^th century.  Sixty of Fussli’s works are on display, borrowed from museums and private collections.

From 16 September 2022 to 23 January 2023

Jacquemart Andre Museum

158, Boulevard Haussmann 75008

https://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/fussli-realm-dreams-and-fantastic

Jazz A La Villette

Since 2002 Jazz A La Villette has been one of the premiere jazz festivals of Paris. The 2022 edition includes concerts by Kokoroko, Jacob Banks, Kenny Barron, Roberto Fonseca, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Angel Bat Dawid & Tha Brothahood.

August 31 to September 11

https://jazzalavillette.com/en/

Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3 walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more.  In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.

https://eyepreferparistours.com/

July 2022 Eye Need to Do’s: Shocking: Schiaparelli, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Chopin, and Destination Cosmos

Shocking ! Les Mondes Surréalistes d’Elsa Schiaparelli

The Musee des Arts Decoratifs is celebrating Elsa Schiaparelli, one of the most innovative designers of the mid-20^thcentury, big time. Close to 600 pieces of her designs including 212 fashion silhouettes will be exhibited together with sculptures, jewelry, perfumes, ceramics, posters, and photographs by her artistic peers of the time including Man Ray, Salvador Dalí, and Jean Cocteau. Designers Yves Saint Laurent, Azzedine Alaïa, John Galliano and Christian Lacroix have also contributed pieces inspired by the great Schiaparelli.

July 6, 2022 to January 22, 2023

Musee des Arts Decoratifs

107 rue de Rivoli, 75001

https://madparis.fr/Shocking-Les-mondes-surrealistes-d-Elsa-Schiaparelli

A Midsummer Night's Dream

A wonderful summer respite, Shakespeare’s tale of fairies and elves, A Midsummer Night's Dream, is being performed by the Paris Opera Ballet and choreographed by George Balanchine with music by Felix Mendelssohn‐Bartholdy and costumes and sets by Christian Lacroix.

July 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16

Opera Bastille

Place de la Bastille, 75011

https://www.classictic.com/en/a-midsummer-nights-dream-paris-opera-ballet/33205/

Chopin Festival

Relax in the beautiful Bagatelle Gardens in the Bois de Boulogne and revel in the music of Chopin at the 37^th edition of Chopin Music Festival.

Until July 14

Bagatelle Gardens- Bois de Boulogne

https://www.frederic-chopin.com/

Destination Cosmos

Ateliers des Lumieres is presenting a special show this summer by collaborating with the National Center for Space Studies and presenting Destination Cosmos, which takes you to the far reaches of the universe.

Until July 30, 2022

38 rue Saint Maur, 75011

https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/cosmos-destination