Matisse at the Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is hosting an interesting Matisse retrospective which seems like a wonderful way to celebrate spring in Paris. Several of Matisse's early works during his years living in Paris are shown as well as works from his later years. The show includes multiple versions of paintings of views/scenes that Matisse worked on over time providing a fascinating window on how this great painter developed his economical, essential style. It is always a pleasure to see a show of Matisse's works. Put this one on your calendar.


Centre Pompidou: 19, rue Beaubourg, 75004 Paris. Tel.: 01 44 78 12 33. Open 11am-9pm. Closed Tuesday. Métro: Rambuteau. Admission: €12. Through June 18. www.centrepompidou.fr

The Rodin Museum Is a Gem

The Rodin Museum on rue de Varenne, just alongside Invalides, is a manageable gem of a museum. The collections are displayed in the lovely historic mansion and in its extensive, park-like grounds. Indeed, you can simply visit the grounds and enjoy the full scale models of Rodin's sculptures such as the emotive Burghers of Calais or the famed 'Thinker'.
Inside the mansion you will surely enjoy smaller Rodin works and also a salon dedicated to the exquisite sculptures of Camille Claudel, Rodin's muse and associate. Another benefit: the Rodin Museum and the Orsay team to offer a daily pass where you can visit the two museums on one combined ticket. They are easily walkable from each other. Until February 28 you can also enjoy a very interesting Matisse-Rodin exhibition at the Rodin Museum which explores the substantial influence that Matisse had on Rodin's sculpture and printmaking work. (Extra fee for the special show.) A wonderful, manageable collection in a gorgeous setting.... what more can you ask. www.musee-rodin.fr Metro: Invalides or Varenne RER: Invalides.