If you’re traveling to Paris between now and June 18, make a beeline to the Centre Pompidou to check out the Matisse retrospective called “Pairs and Series.” As we reported last month, this buzzed-about exhibit will head to Copenhagen and then NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art after it concludes in Paris.
What’s fascinating about this exhibit is the juxtaposition of canvases that depict the same compositions, though painted with different colors, brushwork, and framing. It’s really a lens inside the creative process of one of the most innovative artists- who thought deeply about the concept of creation, and sketched tirelessly before completing what appears to be an effortless work. Sixty paintings and 30 drawings have been assembled from the most important public and private collections around the world. The exhibit covers Matisse’s entire artistic career, from 1899 to 1952.
Tip: The exhibit has been such a smash hit that it is open until 11 pm at night on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with major artwork in a festive, nocturnal atmosphere. The ride up the Pompidou’s escalators—framing incredible panoramas of the sparkling city—is worth the trip alone. Next to the exhibit, the rooftop restaurant “George” has incredible views of the city’s monuments.
The ticket price is 13 euros for access to the temporary exhibits plus the permament collection, and can be purchased online at www.centrepompidou.fr/billetterie. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The Centre Pompidou is located on Place Georges-Pompidou, between Boulevard de Sébastopol and Rue du Renard in the 4th arrondissement. For more information, visit www.centrepompidou.fr