December 2017 – TheLosAngeleno

Centre Pompidou – Notre Dame de la Tuyauterie

Built 1977 on the initiative of then president of France, George Pompidou. Centre George Pompidou – Musée national d’art moderne as the proper name is, celebrates 40 years this year 2017. It was not without controversy when it was built since it was a very modern and industrial looking building. As the blog title indicate it was among many different things called Notre Dame de la Tuyauterie (Our lady of the pipes). This was mainly due to the exposed mechanical systems and a lot of exposed ducts and other mechanical system parts – some compared it to an oil refinery. Architects: Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, Gianfranco Franchini, Ove Arup, Peter Rice, Mike Davies, Su Rogers

Centre Pompidou from the main entrance side.

Césqr le pouce - "the thumb" outside the centre Pompidou during the César exhibit. — César le pouce – “the thumb” outside the centre Pompidou during the César exhibit.

The sculpture garden outside the Centre Pompidou.

Centre Pompidou lines on Wednesday December 27 2017 - a rainy day in Paris. — Centre Pompidou lines on Wednesday December 27 2017 – a rainy day in Paris.

Just remember that if you bring an umbrella (at least a full-size one), a backpack etc. you will also have to be in line for the coatcheck which can be quite long on rainy days – be smart and wear a rain jacket and no backpack!

George Pompidou in the main entrance hallway.

Chez Georges restaurant on the top floor has nice views of Paris and good food, even vegetarian options.

Paris oh la la

Paris – ville lumière. During the Christmas season this takes on a slightly different meaning than the one that suggest it is the city of enlightenment as in centre of education, when all the lights shine in unison it is not too far fetched to interpret “ville lumière” as city of lights…

The upscale shopping center Galeries Lafayette in Paris is decked out for the holidays. The after Christmas Sales are on and if you go inside you will find one of the most elaborate displays ever.

Galeries Lafayette on Rue Lafayette, — Galeries Lafayette on Rue Lafayette.

The magical display inside Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Below is a still picture of the display.

Here is a look down Boulevard Hausmann by the Galeries Lafayette:

A beautiful art deco Metro station entrance:

Metro entrance to line 3 Parmentier stop.

Another look at the ever so beautiful Eiffel tower:

Eiffel tower from the butte de Montmartre and Sacré Coeur.

Arc de Triomphe as seen from atop Galleries Lafayette.

Le Escargo Montorgueil. Leaves no doubt of what is served here!

Musée du Louvre - an animal in the interior parts guarding a grand staircase. — Musée du Louvre – an animal in the interior parts guarding a grand staircase.

Christmas Cheers

Up side down Christmas trees are said to be all the rage in the US this year. Tate Britain in London commissions a Christmas related work of art each year from different artists. Below are pictures of the work commisoned for the 2016 season, an upside down Christmas tree by Iranian artist Shiraze HoushiaryTate Britain London, upside down Christmas tree 2016 by Iranian artist Shirazeh Houshiary.