Musée Gustave Moreau

Sunday was "free museum day" in Paris, and chere Madame V invited me to visit the charming Musée Gustave Moreau with her. The sun was bright and the wind biting cold as we walked the short two blocks from metro stop "Trinité d'Estienne d'Orves" to the former home and studio (atelier) of artist, collector, patron, and professor of art Gustave Moreau. V led me to a typical 19th century parisian dwelling edging Monmarte, and we entered the sunny foyer. We received a friendly greeting and our ticket "gratis" and proceeded up the stairs to the private apartments comprised of a study, dining room, bedroom and boudoir (salon). Small, and crammed with treasures collected over a cultured and privileged lifetime it served ones needs practically. The spectacular "grands ateliers" are the jewel in the crown of this museum however. Two floors of space, light and airy, with 25 foot ceilings and large windows, it must have been an artist's dream studio! Leading us from the first atelier to the next is the most beautiful spiral staircase I've ever seen, the "Escalier reliant les grands ateliers" designed by architect Albert Lafon in 1895. Today the ateliers are sheltered from the suns harmful rays by curtained windows and crammed full of the work of this very prolific artist. Regarded as a leader of the Symbolic movement, his art reflects a fascination for mythology and ancient folklore. Paintings in both oil and watercolour, sculpture (he was facsinated by, studied, and copied the work of Michaelangelo), and drawings are displayed creatively. V showed me a curtained wall, and upon drawing back the protective cloth opened the secret doors which contain books of drawings fastidiously catalogued. One can sit upon a little wooden stool and regard these interesting and complex works leisurely. Artists bring their sketchbooks for inspiration and to copy a great master, visitors wander about easily. There are guided notecards in several languages to enhance your experience, and a tiny giftshop in the foyer offering lovely mementos of your visit. (Merci Viviane ;-) Open daily, the Musée Gustave Moreau is located at 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld, metro ligne 12. Take sortie "Trinité d'Estiennes d'Orves" and turn right at the corner of the block. There are signs that clearly point the way. Of course, a café after your visit at the corner bistro is just the thing! To visit the museum website go to: http://www.musee-moreau.fr/