Hidden beneath "The City of Light" is a dark underworld, the final resting place of more than six million Parisians. The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries formed of a network of tunnels, caves, and quarries filled with mortal remains, where the former citizens of Paris now form a part of its foundation. As Paris went on its way to becoming an important hub, thousands flocked to the city. This spurred justified concerns about the limited cemetery space, leading to the creation of the catacombs in 1810 at the site of the old Montrouge stone quarries. Although in use as an ossuary as early as the 1780s, it was not until this time that the catacombs were organized. The bones were arranged as per the cemeteries they were taken from, creating a subterranean skeletal world, where the last of the lot were brought down in 1860. During World War II, this network of galleries was used as a hideaway for the Résistance movement; its vastness and the discretion of its entrances were great assets indeed. These ossuaries, illustrated by texts, create a chilling atmosphere and describe some of the defining events in the history of Paris, giving visitors substance for meditation. It is also occasionally used as a macabre venue for concerts, parties and other events.
MAC/VAL is the Museum of Contemporary Art of Val de Seine located in a Parisian suburb. Inaugurated in 2005, its goal is to present French artistic creation from the 1950s up to today. Famous pieces of art can be seen as well as more recent ones. In all, more than 1000 works of art are exhibited in a building of 13,000 square meters (139 square feet). Moreover, there is an amphitheater dedicated to conferences, artists speeches, festivals and showing of films about movies history. You can also have a walk in a 10,000 square meter (107 square feet)garden in which works of art are exhibited. The MAC/VAL s permanent collection includes artists such as Annette Messager and César.
Nestled in the Guimet Museum in Paris, Panthéon Bouddhique is a museum dedicated to the Japanese and Chinese artifacts. The collections include 250 Japanese and Chinese art work treasured by the French industrialist and travel enthusiast Émile Étienne Guimet.
Located on Place des Vosges, the Maison de Victor Hugo is the former home of the famous French writer. From 1832 to 16 years hence, Hugo and his wife occupied the second floor of this building. Now a museum, it houses several rooms restored to their original decor as well as memorabilia of his life and times. Explore the well-preserved Gothic furniture, ornate chandeliers, printed wallpaper and regal furnishings. Take the antechamber to the bedroom where he passed away in 1885. In addition, peruse the exhibitions of family memorabilia, manuscripts, publications and art by Hugo.
Baccarat is a name associated with the best in crystalware: vases, glasses, ornaments, etc. The Baccarat workshops moved to the prestigious Rue de Paradis in 1832. Today, they have been converted into a museum and display delicate masterpieces created for the Universal Exhibitions (some in a rather kitsch style), which gave the glass maker many awards. A visit here also illustrates the evolution in manufacturing techniques, as well as the various stylistic changes that have occurred down the years.
This museum is supported by the Cultural Ministry of France and most of its collections come from the Jewish museum at Rue Des Saules and from the Culture Ministry who gave it the Isaac Strauss Collection. The museum has symbolic objects that give a glimpse of the ancient Jewish civilization. There are several audio-visual documentaries that reflect the various facets of Jewish life, beliefs, culture and religion. It also has an auditorium where lectures and discussions are held.