Perhaps not knowing itself to be a reflection of modern day Paris, the Palais du Tokyo is a perfect convergence of grandeur, graffiti and je ne sais quoi all in one. Like a Brutalist version of it’s many peers sitting along the Seine, it reflects a sense of awe to the human scale. Each room ready in it’s almost unfinished casualness to have it’s conversation on politics and culture – continuing the salon tradition.
Plenty of room for books in the shop (which I did not get to gander at), a key qualifier of any true art museum – and open very late by any standard- clearly this place was one of the non-touristy gems. Packed with contemporary and challenging themes on this visit- mental health, Palestine, etc – the building itself seemed more ready to listen and adapt than anything else.
I’ve traveled to Paris plenty- I’ve seen the “sights” – but this was perhaps the first time I knew it as I should. (Note: night time) This is the first of a series about Paris and while I can’t claim to understand why people love Paris, I can say that I did find love there.
P.S. There’s a wonderful market on certain days of the week right next to this building called “Marché Président Wilson” – we spent so much time enjoying it we ended up taking a taxi instead of walking to our next location… well worth taking the moment to be a local.
Address: 13 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, France
Website: Palais de Tokyo write up
ofallthespaces 