The Best Places To See Non-Western Art In Paris

Unquestionably, Paris is home to some of the best European art museums, but the city is also a leader in non-European art; one of the world’s largest African art collections sits in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower; cross the Seine and you will find Europe’s largest Asian art collection. So read on, as we take you to the best places to experience art from outside Europe in the French capital.

2. Institut du Monde Arabe

University, School

Shiva Natarâdja (Seigneur de la Danse) at the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques-Guimet

More than a just museum, the Institut du Monde Arabe is a partnership between France and all Arab League nations. The purpose of the collaboration is to raise understanding and promote dialogue between Europe and the Arab world. As such, the institute is a true cultural center. The museum portion features art, innovation, and daily goods from Arab civilizations. There is also an impressive cultural calendar which has included an exploration of female archetypes through dance, a spiritual Sufism-inspired concert, and a conference on the cultural challenges presented by the digital world in Arab nations. And finally, the institute is housed in a beautifully ornate, state-of-the-art building designed by celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel.

3. Musée Guimet

Museum

Established in 1889, the Musée Guimet houses the largest collection of Asian art in Europe. Their collection covers a region stretching from Afghanistan to Japan to Indonesia. Walking through the museum, you can compare the depictions of Buddha from seven different countries, see how sculptures from India have evolved from 3000 BC to 1900 AD and learn about elaborate Tibetan deities. Though the imposing sculptures are often the big draw, the museum also boasts an impressive collection of manuscripts, textiles, and weapons.

5. Musée Cernuschi

Museum

The Musée Cernuschi houses around 12,000 items

Created in 1898, Musée Cernuschi was started with the collection of Henri Cernuschi, a French banker who acquired more than 5,000 pieces of art during his travels to China and Japan. The museum’s diverse collection ranges from Chinese jade ornamentation dating back to the Neolithic period to contemporary Korean graphic design. The most iconic piece in the museum is the 13-f00t-tall bronze Japanese Amida Buddha statue, which sits perched above the visitors in the main hall. Located immediately outside the beautiful Parc Monceau, the Musée Cernuschi is worth a visit.

6. La Maison de la Culture du Japon

Building

The Japan Culture House was created to introduce the rich and diverse Japanese culture to France. The House hosts live performances, movies, and conferences in addition to language and cooking classes. Recent exhibitions have included work by internationally famous artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Yoshitomo Nara, as well as emerging talent and popular manga artists. As a bonus, the Japan Culture House’s modern glass and steel building rises six floors above the Seine, giving visitors a beautiful view of Paris.

7. Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain

Building, Museum

Fondation Cartier is a contemporary art institution that, while not dedicated to non-European art, has hosted many significant non-European exhibitions. These include the recently ended Beauté Congo, which featured vibrant, rich, and sometimes politically confrontational work by Congolese artists from 1926 to today; a mixed media installation by Argentinean painter Guillermo Kuitca; and Chinese artist Yue Minjun, whose grotesque yet mesmerizing work serves as social commentary on modern Chinese society. Like the Musée du Quai Branly, the strikingly modern building was designed by Jean Nouvel and features a beautiful garden that hosts events in the summer.

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