| Christina |
May 24th, 2003 06:09 PM |
I haven't been there but may next month. There is an exhibition of his works at the Bibliotheque Nationale, also, which I will see. However, I do know that area and it isn't dangerous or terribly seedy, if that concerns you. Montparnasse is a relatively newer area of Paris (in comparison to the origination of Paris in the center and the very old areas around the Seine) which developed around the end of the 18th Century, I believe. It was quite popular as an artistic and literary community in the early 20th Century. There are a lot of famous cafes there you may have heard of where some of the wellknown authors, painters, photographers, etc hung out (La Rotonde, Le Dome, La Coupole). Many of these are still there, as well as areas where some of the old artists' ateliers were, some of which still function as artists' studios, I think. It is an area with a lot of history, combined with newer buildings and architecture (such as the tall MOntparnasse Tower) and is a popular area to go out at night due to the cafes, movies and some clubs and theaters.
That foundation is near the Gaite metro stop. If you aren't familiar with Cartier-Bresson's work you might look at some of it online somewhere to get a flavor. I don't consider it that controversial or offensive, mainly being photos of people, city scenes, everyday life, but I think he worked for some magazines and did some photos for those. However, there are some photos which one could say depict a seamier side of life and I remember one with nudity (of prostitutes) if that concerns you. That is not the bulk of it, however.
In general, I wouldn't think that kind of photography exhibit would appeal to children, regardless, depending on their age. Perhaps teens could enjoy it, especially if they have an interest in photography.
There aren't tons of things nearby on the usual tourist agenda, but Paris isn't that large that this should be a concern -- it's only a few metro stops from St-Germain and the Seine. There are a couple of minor museums around there, which wouldn't be at the top of most lists (Montparnasse, Zadine, Bourdelle -- I think the Postal Museum is around there). Montparnasse cemetery is very close, if you are interested in seeing graves of some famous people. Other than the cafes, there is a shopping center at Montparnasse Tower, and some other good stores nearby (cookware and artists supplies). That shopping center has a lot that might appeal to teens, and a branch of Galeries Lafayette, although it's nothing like the main store.
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