Art of Travel: Intrinsic Art

I cannot think of a better place than Paris to see some of the most beautiful works of art in the entire world. The city itself seems to be a work of art.

I think that New York City is a beautiful city, but it is completely different than the beauty that one can find in Paris. The beauty of NYC is almost calculated. The streets are easy to predict and the architecture is much more modern. One can appreciate the skill and technology that we went into planning these enormous buildings. Also, as much as others may disagree with me, I find a huge amount of beauty in the commercialism of the city. My favorite winter past time is going on a tour of all the major department store’s window displays and nothing beats walking down Fifth, Park, and 57^th marveling at the designer boutiques.

In Paris, the streets are sporadic, changing names at every turn and zigzagging across the city. Weaving you along through the intricate and ornate architecture that seems to adorn every single building. You don’t even have to step foot inside one of the many world famous museums to get a sense of the art and culture that the city contains.

Certainly Paris is a much older city than New York and these buildings were constructed during one of the most important and influential periods in the history of art. It makes sense that the city would be home to so many famous pieces.

I think the setting of Paris truly enhances the meaning behind these works. It is so moving to walk into the Louvre or the Pompidou, however different the two may be, and not only be overcome by the vast amount art that is available in one place but to also note the care and thought that went into creating these museums.

Some museums that I have been to in America are so plain as not to take away from the art that people come to see, but I find it so much more interesting to be able to see that place you are standing in as a work in and of itself.

This same concept applies not only to still art but also to performance art. The Paris Opéra, Palais Garnier, is by far the most stunningly opulent building I have ever been to in my life. I was lucky enough to see the Ballet, Giselle, last night and the experience was nothing short of magical. Not only because I adore the ballet but I can’t think of anything more fairy-tale like than walking up an enormous marble staircase and sitting beneath a crystal chandelier hung from a ceiling decorated with a mural by Chagall.

I am taking a class where we will be lucky enough to visit various museums, big and small, all over the city but during my journeys to these places, I hope that I will be able to take in all of the inherent “art” of the city.