Paris: route 1

Let me tell you a story about this building!
This is the Musée de l’Orangerie. It was designed by architects Firmin Bourgeois and Louis Visconti in 1852. They built it like a big glass house to protect orange trees from the cold Paris winters.

Did you know that?
The museum has beautiful paintings, like the famous Water Lilies by Claude Monet. But guess what? It used to be a place to keep those orange trees safe and warm. How cool is that?

Can you guess the style?
This building has Ionic columns. It’s got a pointy top part called a pediment and a fancy edge called a cornice.

What about today?
Now, it’s a museum full of amazing art. And here’s something awesome: it’s accessible to people with disabilities! They have guides in sign language, and special audio guides for people with hearing aids. Also if you need to, you can even park close by.

Let me tell you a story about this building!

It’s called the Petit Palais, and it was built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900. The same year they showed off the Eiffel Tower! It’s been a museum since 1902. Architect Charles Girault made it look amazing. There’s a garden in the middle too!

Did you know that?
Wheelchair users can visit almost everywhere inside. There’s just one room on the 1st floor that’s not accessible. Inside the museum, you can use the elevator if you need it, and the bathrooms are accessible.

See if you can investigate this information, is this building really accessible?

Can you guess the style?
The Petit Palais is eclectic, which means it’s got all kinds of styles mixed together. It’s got a big front with sculptures and a dome on top. Ionic columns make it look special. The inside is bright and beautiful.

What about today?
Now, it’s the Museum of Fine Arts of Paris. If you visit, you’ll see amazing art and enjoy the lovely garden.

Let me tell you a story about this building!

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a cool place for fashion lovers, was built between 1852 and 1870. Yves Saint Laurent, the famous clothes designer, worked here for almost 30 years!

Did you know that?
In 2017, the building became the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum. It was the first time a whole museum was made for just one designer!

Can you guess the style?
This building is eclectic, which means it’s got all kinds of styles mixed together. It has three floors, fancy balconies with pretty decorations, and cool pediments on the top floor windows.

What about today?
Now, it’s where the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum is. It’s a great place to learn about fashion and see amazing designs. The museum says it’s accessible to people with disabilities, and they even have a wheelchair you can use if you ask at the front desk.
See if you can check that information!

Let me tell you a story about this building!

The Palais Galliera was designed by Paul-René-Léon Ginain. It was built for the Duchess of Galliera, who wanted to share her art collection with everyone. People celebrated its opening in 1895.

Did you know that?
In the beginning, it was not a fashion palace. It changed a lot over the years. But in 1977, it became all about fashion!

Can you guess the style?
The Palais Galliera is very elegant. It has two sides: one faces the street and the other looks at a garden. The street side has tall ionic columns, and the garden side has big windows with sculptures.

What about today?
Today, the Palais Galliera is all about fashion. And guess what? They offer tours in french sign language and tours and descriptive visits for people with visual disabilities.
They also say the building is accessible, what do you think ?

Let me tell you a story about this building!

The Paris Museum of Modern Art opened in 1961. The Palais de Tokyo, where it’s found, was built in 1937 by Jean-Claude Dondel and André Aubert. They won a big competition in 1934 for this cool building!

Did you know that?
The museum has something for everyone! If you’re wondering about getting around, they’ve got accessible parking spots, wheelchairs, and even activities in french sign language.

Can you guess the style?
This place is all about Art Deco. The building has two wings, one on the east (that’s where the museum is) and one on the west. It’s got smooth lines, big columns, and a fancy Seine river view. Look out for mythological sculptures on the facade!

What about today?
Today, this cool place is all about modern art. They’ve got paintings, sculptures, installations, photos, and videos! It’s like a treasure chest of creativity.

Let me tell you a story about this building!

It’s the Cité of Architecture and Heritage, and it opened in 2007. But before that, back in 1937, it was a museum for french monuments.

Did you know that?
The mission of this place is to show French buildings and architecture. It’s like a big art gallery for buildings!

Can you guess the style?
The building is neoclassical. You’ll spot pilasters all around – those are like fancy columns. It has big windows with shiny golden frames. Outside, you’ll find sculptures and even a quote from a famous French poet, Paul Valéry!

What about today?
Today, it’s still an awesome place to learn about buildings and French architecture and history. It has parking spaces and accessible entrances for wheelchair users, can you spot any of them?

Let me tell you a story about this building!

It’s called the Palais de Chaillot, and it replaced the Palais du Trocadéro in 1937. It was designed by three architects: Jacques Carlu, Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, and Léon Azéma. Great teamwork!

Did you know that?
After World War II, some people didn’t like its style. It reminded them too much of the war times. But it has an important history. In 1948, the United Nations used it when they signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Can you guess the style?
It’s a mix of Eclectic and Art Deco styles. It has a big open space to enjoy the view. You can see the Trocadero fountains, gardens, and even the Eiffel Tower from here.

What about today?
Today, the Palais de Chaillot is a museum complex. This means you can explore different museums inside. They offer accessible activities like shows in sign language and tactile tours, where you can touch the art!

Let me tell you a story about this building!

In 1937, the Musée de l’Homme was built for the International Exhibition. Imagine the French president, Albert Lebrun, and some ministers being there with grand excitement for its opening! Quite a fancy start!

Did you know that?
Like its twin building that’s right next to it, it’s in neoclassical style. It also has sculptures and a quote by French poet and philosopher, Paul Valéry on the front!

Can you guess the style?
It’s a mix of Eclectic and Art Deco styles. It has a big open space to enjoy the view. You can see the Trocadero fountains, gardens, and even the Eiffel Tower from here.

What about today?
Today, this place is all about history and people. And if you’re worried about getting inside, don’t be. They’ve got ramps for those who need them and special audio guides to guide blind people. So, everyone can explore and learn.

Let me tell you a story about this building!

The Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889. It’s very tall, 330 meters high, like an 81-story building.

Did you know that?
The Eiffel Tower is not just a tower; it’s a symbol of France! It’s made of iron and gets a fresh coat of paint every 7 years to keep it looking great.

Can you guess the style?
The Eiffel Tower has a modern style. It’s unique and different from the other buildings we visited together. No fancy columns or windows, just sleek iron beams reaching for the sky!

What about today?
It’s a popular spot for tourists, and anyone can go up to the first and second floors for awesome views of Paris. However the top floor is not accessible to wheelchair users.