What an unexpected and delightful surprise! 59 Rivoli is an artist paradise where artwork is…read moredisplayed ceiling to floor up the spiraling staircase. Each staircase to the next floor has a different theme and artist. Each floor features the studio of an aspiring French artist at work which you can stop, discuss, and see their work. It is a cool place and should be added to your list of places to visit when in Paris. Located a few blocks from Notre Dame, admission is free!

Very unique experience consisting of multiple stories of floor to ceiling artwork. I don't believe…read morethere is an elevator/lift for those who need it, but the spiraling staircase is incredible and fully painted with different themes on each floor. There are many different resident artists there that have small sections of each floor where they work and sell their art. There is such a wide ranging variety of mediums, styles, and art around every corner, there is sure to be something you'll like! Also, its free to enter and walk around! You can buy art from artists if you'd like but there is no pressure to buy anything. Overall great experience!

This museum has all of the modern mischief makers and envelope pushers that you learn about in art…read morehistory classes--Miro, Duchamp, Kadinsky, Klein, Klee, etc--plus their lesser known peers and contemporary artists. It's exciting to be around so much creativity and spark. The building itself is a draw, and you can enjoy the nearby fountain filled with moving statues and take the famous elevator all the way to the top for free--the view is the best, and I prefer it more than the view from the Eiffel Tower! There is also a notable bookstore filled with art folios and a wall of postcards, accessible without tickets. If you enter the paid floors, expect to be wowed for at least 2-3 hours.

Centre Pompidou was due to close its doors for a years-long renovation when I went. Thought not…read morecompletely shut down (Wolfgang Tillmans was showing his photographs), the lack of exhibits make this arts center a shell of its former self; even the long escalator, a prominent feature, wasn't in operation. Also, there was no access to the rooftop viewing platform. The building is very cool with its "inside out" design as giant pipes decorate the exterior. I remember Centre Pompidou as full of life, I hope when it returns to be able to experience its full art programming once again. Two stars because it's depressing to see the building half done & half alive.

It is a bit outside the city, so I don't recommend it to Paris visitors, but if you live local, and…read morewant to see a treasure, this is the place to come. Sort of like a cabinet of curiosity the glass filled jars of frankenstein like organs and unusual animal is creepy and fascinating. It is surprising to find the hidden gem in the suburbs. It may be a bit of an effort to get there, but you have the run of the museum as not many people visit. The perk of being outside of Paris. The collection of animal skeletons is impressive and the the staff is kind. they have an audio guide in English for those of you without french skills. I definitely recommend the effort i your staying out that way. Enjoy more than PAris!

From the owner: Monstres, calculs et écorchés Créé en 1766 dans le château d'Alfort, en même temps que l'Ecole…read moreVétérinaire, cet ancien Cabinet du Roy est un des plus vieux musée de France. Son créateur, l'anatomiste Fragonard, accusé de folie, subi le purgatoire et le musée et sa collection de l'ancienne histoire naturelle sombrèrent dans une léthargie de 2 siècles. Enfin ouvert, on peut voir aujourd'hui à côté de la collection de monstres animaux, les différents objets avalés par vaches ou autruches ou encore des calculs étonnants par leur forme ou leur taille trouvés chez des chevaux, vaches ou dromadaires. On est ébloui par " les écorchés " de Fragonard où l'art théâtral déborde la simple connaissance anatomique en un spectacle étourdissant.