Frank Gehry and the Paris LVMH Museum

The historic significance of the site, originally developed in 1860 by Napolean III and demolished in 1934, juxtaposed with the architectural playfulness and intrigue Gehry has created is marvelous. How perfect that a site which once housed a “house of mirrors” for children now has an all glass whimsically toned art museum. Glimmers of the Grand Palais and shades of The Centre Pompidou this new structure gives light to the driving inventiveness of a Parisian past, while breaking the mold for a central architectural piece of Paris’s future.

It has received mixed reviews, but mine are quite definitively positive. Weighing this space to the just toured Guggenheim Bilbao my bias opinion sees the growth endured since the earlier construction allowing for this museum to have a better flow and more ample ability to experience the collections.  My personal feeling from experiencing the two was that the prior was built from the outside in, while this from the inside out.  It includes 11 galleries and a soaring auditorium giving most ample space.  

The exhibitions from Gerhard Richter to the Sarah Morris video installation were show stoppers. I really enjoyed the Janet Cardiff / George Bures Miller. It wasn’t quite as moving emotionally as many prior pieces (Documenta 13), but this gives an astounding tour of the interior including various details you likely wouldn’t experience otherwise.

Now children and adults alike can enjoy the creativity that encompasses them.  It’s collection of artistic expression housed inside and around its grounds contain a menagerie of playful water spaces to enjoy as you soak in the view.

My favorite aspect of the experience; I could go on and on.