Musée Carnavelet--Ben Franklin Exhibit

[Truffaut]

Yesterday, I went with G and Lucky for a first visit to Musée Carnvalet. It's been on my list forever, but we just never seem to find the time to go, and since it's free, there's always this feeling that it can be put off until the next visit. We were particuarly interested this time, however, because of the special exhibit about Benjamin Franklin's life in Paris.

I will say right away, that I was terribly disappointed in the exhibit. It has a very intellectual bent that was, frankly, très boring! There are copies of books he owned, but not necessarily HIS copy of the book. There are portraits of people he met in Paris, but not by important portraitists. There are letters about him, but not many letters BY him. There was a nice little section about his hot air ballooning adventures with the Montgolfiers. I'd have been more intrigued if there had been more information about his diplomatic accomplishments, his inventions, etc.

The rest of the Carnavalet, however, was breathtaking. There is an exquisite display of boiseries, furnishings, and more bronze candlesticks than you can imagine! The exhibits relating to the Revolution and its aftermath are particularly varied and interesting. (Who knew that a stone replica of the Bastille, carved from one of the fortress' building blocks, had been sent as a gift to George Washington. I wonder what he did with it?) Another copy was presented as a gift to Louis XVI, and I'm sure he greatly appreciated it!!

[sistereurope]

I didn't see the Ben Franklin exhibit (and after reading your post I can say that I'm NOT sorry!)...but yes, the Carnavelet was a pleasant surprise (thanks to happy).
I loved the exhibits, and the period rooms. The fact that it's free makes it all the more worth it. I think it's a somewhat hidden gem!

[Happygoin]

I discovered the Carnavalet this past trip too. I was completely blown away. Especially with the 19th and early 20th century stuff. I was so impressed, I went and dragged SE and LM and the Italians back a few days later. They loved it too.

I wonder how many people pass by this great museum because they've spent so much time in the Louvre, d'Orsay etc. and wonder what a free museum has to offer.

[Happygoin]

D, you posted just when I did

[sistereurope]

Yep, that's because I have you to thank for dragging me to the Carnavelet!

[geordy]

I went there on an early trip..before it was free. It was however part of the Museum Pass deal...and the Museum pass was part of the room package at the Lotti Hotel. I think we went to just about every museum that was included!! This was back in the days of TWA!

I've been back for special exhibitions since and always enjoy taking a spin through the permanent collections!!!

[Anne]

I had posted a thread about this exhibit in the "Paris Current Events" section . Too bad that it was so disappointing .

Carnavalet is my favourite museum in Paris so far .
It is nice that it is free, because the place is so huge that you cannot see it all in depth in one visit .

[Darcy]

I think the Carnavalet is wonderful too. I've been visiting it on every trip for four or five years because, as Anne says, there is just so much to see. And I love to take photos of the pretty courtyard from a window on the second floor.

[ouiparis]

If the portrayal of BF in the recent HBO series John Adams is any indication, he certainly lived an interesting life in Paris.