Journées du Patrimoine 2010: Le Musée de Moyen Age

Smack dab in the middle of the Quartier Latin on the corner of Boulevard St. Germain and Boulevard St. Michel, a mere block away from The Gap and Mickey D's, is one of Paris' oldest monuments; the Musée de Moyen Age. It's strong foundation dating back to the 1st century, it stands defiantly amidst modern Paris like an old man who refuses to use a computer. Parisians rush by on foot, car, and motorbikes daily, going about their business with barely a glance - it's human nature to take things for granted. But when the sun sets and the strategically placed floodlights illuminate the Gallo-Roman ruins, oh la la! It's difficult to ignore the beauty of this ancient place. On my "to do" list for years, I decided today was the day. It is the weekend of the "Journées du Patrimoine", France's "Heritage Days". For two days a year, hundreds of monuments across France are open to the public free of charge, including the Senate, National Assembly, and the Elysées Palace; home to President Sarkozy. The latter expecting some 20,000 visitors, I chose to visit the old man on the corner. It is difficult to wrap my mind around anything 2,000 years old, but I was visiting a place that once served as a thermal bathhouse - before France was France and Rome ruled Europe. 700 years ago it was occupied by the Abbots of Cluny, as is witnessed by the Gothic chapel inside. It was enlarged and occupied by the Cluny Order until after the Revolution, when the property became nationalized and home to the private collections of three privileged men. Today, it houses a stunning collection of tapisserie (tapestry), religious artifacts, stained glass, and statuary; all 500 to 1,000 years old. C'est magnifique! You can visit the Musée de Moyen Age (Musée Cluny) Tuesday through Sunday from 9h15 until 17h45 at 6 Place Painlevé, metro ligne 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne. Tariff is 8.50, with the exception of the first Sunday of every month, which is free museum day. You can read more about the Journées du Patrimoine by accessing my blog archive from October 2009 (on the sidebar).