After a fun-filled summer, Parisians are back to business in the City of Light. A whole new cultural season is in full swing, as the world-famous museums put on fabulous art shows. Here’s our picks for the fall. Vive la rentrée!
The New Islamic Arts Wing at the Louvre. Hailed the biggest architectural achievement since I.M. Pei’s iconic pyramid, the new wing occupies the Visconti Courtyard, where a wave-like gold roof hovers above one of the most exceptional Islamic Arts collections in the world. Opening September 22, 2012. The Louvre is open every day (except Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.louvre.fr/en
Gerard Richter at the Centre Pompidou. On display until September 24, 2012 is a fabulous retrospective of one of the greater painters of the last 50 years. Open every day except Tuesdays, 11 am- 9 pm. www.centrepompidou.fr
Edward Hopper at the Grand Palais. Starting October 10, 2012, the American artist will take pride of place in a blockbuster exhibit at the Grand Palais. Running through January 28, 2013. Closed on Tuesdays. We highly recommend buying tickets online to avoid the lines. www.grandpalais.fr
"Paris, Seen by Hollywood” at the Hotel de Ville. The Paris City Hall has gotten rave reviews for the free exhibits it stages throughout the year. The latest is “Paris, vu par Hollywood” which runs from September 18- December 15, 2012 and features film clips, photos, even set models—to illustrate Hollywood’s romance with Paris over the years. Open every day but Sunday, from 10 am to 7 pm.
“Impressionism and Fashion” at the Orsay. Running from September 25 - 20 January 20, 2013, this talked-about exhibit will then travel to the Met in New York and the Art Institute in Chicago. The museum is open from 9:30 am- 6 pm every day but Mondays. www.musee-orsay.fr