Some of the world's best and most famous pieces of art can be found in Paris -- the museums are reason enough to visit the city. Unfortunately, they have also become so crowded during peak tourist season as we experienced in our visit to the Louvre. Today I had another art themed encounter planned, maybe it would erase the disappointment of the Louvre visit from Martina's mind.
From our metro "base" of Filles du Calvaire on Metro Line 8, it was a few blocks walk to the Republique station to catch Line 3 which brought us quickly to our designated stop -- Rue Saint-Maur.
Thank goodness for an escalator, it certainly saved us quite a climb up the stairs!
Rue Saint-Maur is in the 11th arr. Our apartment in Rue de Turenne in the haut Marais (upper Marais) is in the 4th arr but because of the circular way the arrondissements of Paris are laid out, the 4th and the 11th are just beside each other.
Today's excursion was to Atelier des Lumieres. Situated in an old foundry dating back to 1835, it has been converted into a digital art center. From a space dedicated to producing cast iron parts for the French navy and railway, the space now houses a popular destination -- both for locals and tourists alike.
Atelier des Lumieres mounts digital shows projecting famous works of art on its huge and cavernous interiors.
This season's main show "Starry Night" is all about Vincent Van Gogh -- his rich and bold style makes the perfect leap to the digital world. Projected on immense space, the colors seem more vivid, the strokes more masterful.
As a former foundry, the interior of Atelier des Lumieres is huge -- the space has been completely hollowed out -- no pillars or posts to mar the mesmerizing show of art that is digitally projected onto every available inch of space. You are absorbed into a world that Van Gogh painted.
The images are not static -- they zoom in and out, slide and glide all around you. We are drenched by these vivid blues -- this must have been how they looked right after Van Gogh put down his brush.
Even the somber browns and grays of this glimpse into daily rural life is transformed by the sheer monumental size as it is digitally projected, ceiling to floor. You can almost feel the warmth of the fire and smell the aroma of food.
The forty minute show includes the work of Van Gogh from 1853 to just before he died in 1890.
His last days spent in the small town of Auvers sur Oise was a prolific time -- he painted over 70 paintings in less than three months.
Martina was completely captivated by the show. While we walked around early on, the experience can be overwhelming. The best thing to do is to claim a space amidst the crowd, sit and allow yourself to be transported into a world as Van Gogh saw it and as he painted it.
And yes, for a brief while, even believe that you are a part of the painting.
"Dreamed Japan - images of a floating world" is the brief 10 minute show that immediately follows
Starry Night. Van Gogh himself was enchanted by "japonisme" and often said that he derived much inspiration from Japanese art.
Japanophiles will love this show -- and will recognize Hokusai's giant waves.
Japan's iconic symbols have the audience enraptured -- fierce samurai, kimono clad geisha, showers of sakura -- this is Japan that people dream about.
Cats turn into people, people turn into yokai -- spirits that inhabit the dark forests of Japanese folklore.
A sensu fan unfolds and a shower of cherry blossoms fills the venue. Oh so magical! I found myself suddenly missing Kyoto ...
Hundreds of thousands of paper lanterns against a midnight blue sky signalled the end of the show.
They floated everywhere, enveloping us, leaving us dazed by the spellbinding beauty of both shows.
When you come to Paris, this is a place you must not miss. It's very easy to reserve and book online.
It's not expensive -- a full priced ticket cost 15 euros per person.
Ateliere des Lumieres through its Art En Immersion program reaches out to children with disabilities, illnesses or are socially excluded, providing an experience that can get them in touch with their creativity. It's nice to know that the price of your admission goes in part to a worthy cause such as this.
Alors, another boutique de souvenirs! The gift shop is well stocked with art books, knick knacks and all sorts of unique, creative and irresistible things. Martina managed to find this book on paintings transformed into anime art. It was the perfect finale to this amazing, art filled day.
Traveling with Kids, Tip #10
The trick to getting the child to enjoy (and accept) a "learning and educational experience" is to take it out of the box. The Atelier des Lumieres that showcased the genius of Vincent Van Gogh, translated into an immersive and interactive platform greatly appealed to Martina -- very much a child of the digital age.
