The Exhibit
Adam McEwan (Carte blanche - collective of artists)
Until January 16th 2011
I took my kids to the Palais de Tokyo over the winter break during one of those fantastically cold days when not even kids want to play outside. Don't be deterred by the name of the show - children always seem to enjoy their visits to this museum. The installations and vast open spaces tend to spark their interest.
Talking to small children about art:
I like to ask my kids to describe what they see, point out objects, shapes and colors. If they can't touch the works then I ask them what they think it is made of, what it feels like. We even talk about what the artist may have been thinking about or how he made the work, if it was difficult, how he may have been feeling. I also ask them how it how it makes them feel. The important thing is to get your kids to talk about art and let them interpret it for themselves. It's an excellent opportunity developing communication and means of expression. Just don't push it - It should be fun.
The Palais de Tokyo also offers a wide array of activities for children that I talk about
here.
Other amenities:
• Stroller access (4/5 points, Museum staff allows the use of the handicap access points for strollers)
• Baby facilties (2/5 points, wall hanging changing table for small babies. Unisex bathroom is not very hygenic. No point for nursing.)
• Kids menu in the restaurant (4/5 points, no high-chairs.)
In front of Rudolf Stingel's, Untitled, 2003
Installation by Serge Spitzer (until January 16th)
My son particularly loved this installation by Serge Spitzer which involved a pneumatic system propulsing capsules in a labyrinth of tubes across the main hall of the museum. The system evokes that which was used under the streets of Paris until the 1984.
Works include: Jonathan Borofsky, You are Alone Slow Down There is No One to Please but Yourself, 1975-76.
Mattias Faldbakken, Untitled (Video Sculpture), 1986. Rob Pruitt, Esprit du corps 1986
Michael Landy Market Stall IX, 1989
Agathe Snow, Wallpaper, 2009.
Restaurant Tokyo Eats
I grew up in a very green place and though I love Paris, sometimes I need to take a walk in the woods. I also think it is primordial that my children be able to enjoy a bit of nature as well. It isn't easy in Paris where most of the parks are tiny and the grass is off limits. Even some of the trees are classified historical monuments and touching their branches will earn you a sharp, "C'est interdît, Madame !". As much as I love the jardin à la français I want my kids to run free. The compromise is Parc Saint Cloud just outside of Paris, between the Bois de Boulogne and Versailles. Besides all the traditional Le Nôtre french gardens, you can also walk through the old hunting grounds. We followed trails around that date back to the 16th century. Ok, it's not Yellowstone, but it's just a outside of Paris. And it sure beats the crowded Bois de Boulogne when the sun comes out. This Saturday it's going to reach 22˚ celsius! I love Paris in the Springtime. Tout le monde dehors !
