Paris Must-Dos the Week of February 25

25 February 2019 | PAR Megan Winters

From newly opened and nearly closed exhibitions to Carnival parades, this week in Paris promises activities for every interest, every budget, and every language.

Monday, 2/25

Magical Unicorns

Musee de Cluny

9:15a.m.-5:45 p.m.

February 25 marks the final day of the Magical Unicorns exhibition at the Musee de Cluny. From 14th century tapestries to modern day costumes, the exhibition explores the unicorn’s portrayal through history and its influence on art. Since it is on display at the museum of the medieval world, the exhibit focuses on the significance of the unicorn during the medieval period. Viewers will walk through varied interpretations of the mythical creature that will help inspire and shape their own. For more information in English, click here.

Tuseday, February 26

“Fendre L’Air”

Musee du quai Branly

Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 11:00 am-07:00 pm

Thursday, Friday: 11:00 am-09:00 pm

“Fendre L’Air” is a sculpture exhibition highlighting the art of Japanese bamboo basketry. Visitors will be able to wander through generations of ingenuity and imaginative invention rooted in the Meija era and see the works of contemporary basket artists on a monograph display in the museum. More than 160 works illustrate the progression of the art form which has been little known in the western world and never before presented in France. To learn more and plan your visit (English guides are available for the museum), visit the Musee du quai Branly’s website.

Wednesday, February 27

The Collection of the Foundation: A Vision for Painting

Louis Vuitton Foundation

10a.m.-8p.m.

February 27 marks one week since this exhibition’s premiere, which focuses around one central theme: painting. From there, the exhibition sends visitors in nearly every direction to celebrate the diversity of the art. Rooms are dedicated to specific artists as well as specific themes, totaling 70 works from 23 artists worldwide. This exhibition provides the opportunity for viewers to compare juxtaposed artwork from the 1960s to present day and appreciate the breadth and evolution of painting as it continually re-imagines itself. For more information about the exhibition and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in English, click here.

Thursday, Febraury 28

“New Photographic Drawings” by David Hockney

Galerie Lelong & Co.

10:30a.m.-6p.m.

While never referring to himself as a photographer, David Hockney creates photographic imagines by combining painting techniques with photography. His collection of four works entitled “New Photographic Drawings” depicts the artist in his studio, a seemingly settling image, but the focus on distortion of perspective and the crossing of artistic genres creates an unsettling effect for the observer. More details are available here.

Saturday, March 2

Late-Night at the Louvre

6:00-9:45 p.m.

The first Saturday of each month in 2019, the Louvre opens its doors to the public for free. However, it is more than just free admission to the Denon and Sully wings of the museum–hourly entertainment is planned in the Richelieu wing, featuring music, reading, and games, and visitors can access this wing for free with online reservations. For full details and to reserve your spot in the Richelieu wing, click here.

Sunday, March 3

Carnaval de Paris

Place Gambetta

1:00 p.m.

The Paris Carnival processional (specifically the parade of the fat cow) is one of the largest events leading up to Mardi Gras. More than 50,000 spectators gather for this free parade that features the theme, “One for all and all for sport.” For more information and for the full parade route, click here.