© The Hispanic Society of America / Musée Jacquemart-André
Openings, exhibitions and permanent collections, of course! But did you know that some cultural venues, such as the Jacquemart-André Museum, offer a much richer program than you might expect? Head to Paris’ 8th arrondissement to rediscover this private mansion once inhabited by renowned art collectors Nélie Jacquemart and Edouard André. Proudly standing on Boulevard Haussmann, the venue is absolutely stunning, from its charming private salons and winter garden to the majestic staircase leading up to the museum floor. What’s on the agenda? Enjoy the sublime current exhibition, indulge in a well-deserved tea time, then end the day with a magical opera evening featuring La Traviata or Rigoletto!
For a Vibrant Exhibition
Have you heard about the Spanish Golden Age? Until August 2, the Jacquemart-André Museum is hosting a dazzling exhibition: Splendors of the Baroque. In collaboration with the Hispanic Society of America, the show presents more than forty artworks, including masterpieces by 17th-century masters such as El Greco and Velázquez. We love this irresistible blend of mystical spirituality and flamboyant theatricality, mixing elegant court portraits with dramatic chiaroscuro religious scenes.
Impossible to miss Portrait of a Young Girl by Velázquez, Saint Emerentiana with its hypnotic patterned gown painted by the great Zurbarán, or the unforgettable religious scenes that define Baroque aesthetics: Pietà by Doménikos Theotokópoulos, aka El Greco, and a lesser-known version of The Wedding at Cana by Nicolás de Correa, shimmering with mother-of-pearl and gold accents. It’s beautiful, opulent and divine… in short, the ultimate cultural stopover. ¡Vamos!
Splendors of the Baroque until August 2 at the Jacquemart-André Museum.
© The Hispanic Society of America / Musée Jacquemart-André - Culturespace
For a Princess-Style Tea Time
Before or after visiting Splendors of the Baroque, slip into the courtyard on the right-hand side and discover Nélie, the museum’s restaurant and tea room with delicately old-fashioned charm, set in a grand décor worthy of Marie-Antoinette herself. Each exhibition inspires a brand-new menu designed around the cultural theme of the moment. Intellectual finger food, if you will!
And what about tea time? Choosing your tea (€6.20) is no easy task, each served in an elegant teapot with a refined selection of flavors. Go for La Courtisane, a delicious green tea infused with blueberry, vanilla and clementine notes, enhanced with orange peel and rose petals, or choose the delightful Earl Grey, the oldest bergamot-flavored tea classic.
As for pastries, it’s a feast! You’ll hesitate between timeless French pastry classics such as raspberry macarons, chocolate cake or mille-feuille (€12.90). Prefer savory bites? An excellent quiche (€19.50) or beautifully prepared salads (from €16.70) will do the trick perfectly.
Open Monday to Thursday from 9:30am to 6pm, Friday from 9:30am to 10pm, and weekends from 11am to 7pm.
© Culturespace
For a 100% Diva Evening
Bring out your finest evening wear: we’re heading to the opera! After successful runs at the Monnaie de Paris and the Simone and Cino del Duca Foundation, Opera a Palazzo has now taken over the Jacquemart-André Museum. Inspired by the concept created by Venice-based music lovers association Musica a Palazzo, the idea is to stage opera performances in exceptional venues for intimate audiences.
For this new season, Patrizia Di Paolo directs unique adaptations of two iconic operas by Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto and La Traviata. The first focuses on the five main roles in a drama filled with betrayal, love and revenge. In La Traviata, performers interpret the three leading roles. The story follows Alfredo Germont, a young man from a Provençal family, who falls for Violetta Valéry during a Parisian soirée. They begin a passionate love affair, much to Alfredo’s family’s dismay…
Accompanied by a pianist, violinist and cellist, the opera singers perform just steps away from the audience, creating the feeling of being immersed in this extraordinary production. Evening attire is required for this exceptional event, offering an unforgettable escape into the world of opera.
Rigoletto until June 13, La Traviata until June 27. From 8pm. More information online.
© Corentin Le Vay
