The Museum of Everything

Paris is known as the city of light, many people think this is because the Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour like a shimmering beacon and because the city really comes alive at night with bright illuminations. I like to think that the city of light can also refer to enlightening and therefore the awakening of the mind to new experiences, ideas and cultures. This idea is certainly reflected by the abundance of museums, galleries, theatres and creative areas that exist in this wonderful city. I find it hard to imagine that people are not inspired just by walking around, either by the scenery and beauty of the city, or because of its people and the weird and wonderful ways of life that are visible on every street. Recently I have been enjoying the fabulous exhibitions that have been on in the city and trying to infuse myself with a little of Sartre's, Picasso's and Simone de Beauvoir's Paris. 

One of my favourite art exhibitions was not at the imperial palace of the Louvre, nor at the beautifully grand Musee d'Orsay but at the unassuming and wonderfully unpretentious Museum of Everything. This little travelling museum makes big claims by presenting "everything" to its viewers, which I must admit was the reason I was inspire to visit. At first I tossed aside this claim as I realised that the exhibition was a collection of art and sculpture by unpublished and unknown artists. However, the further I delved into the ramshackled old convent that housed the museum the more engrossed I was by the talent on display. I came to the conclusion that "everything" was present in the exhibition as the pieces covered the spectrum of human emotion and experience, spanning time, culture and country, piecing together a delicate mosaic of "everything.  Truly amazing. 

The quirky presentation of the whole museum experience was vibrant and unique, again adding to the sense of intrigue and mystery surrounding the bold statement of "everything". Large red arrows led this visitors around the building that had paintings covering every visible surface, including doors and stairs making the whole place a work of art. The beautiful stained glass windows of the old chapel casted a rainbow of light over the wooden floorboards and the chitter chatter of knowledgable volunteers in artists aprons created a subtle and calming atmosphere. 

Three hours passed so quickly that when we emerged the sun was beginning to set behind the buildings of Boulevard Raspail. Such a beautiful museum trip that left my mind truly illuminated and wishing I was artistically blessed.

After all, if Paris can't inspire you then in my humble opinion, nowhere can! 

Mood- A little more cultured

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