A tall floor version of this 17th-century hand-forged iron candlelabra is in the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. Note the sharp pointed center, which could be used as a weapon! I found this one two years ago at a brocante in Chatou, just outside Paris. Obviously the seller didn't know its true value!
The Musee des Arts Decoratifs at 107 rue de Rivoli in the Marsan wing of the Louvre is my favourite small museum. It reopened to much fanfare last week, after an extensive renovation spanning ten years. During that time, alternating wings were closed as work was underway, while others remained open for public viewing.
More than 5,000 objets d'art and pieces of furniture are on display in the nine floors overlooking the Tuileries gardens. Ten period rooms designed by interior decorator Francois-Joseph Graf are featured, including Pierre Chareau's library, originally designed for the French Embassy Pavilion at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderne.
Among the other spectacular settings is the Armand Albert Rateau 1920s design for famed couturier Jeanne Lanvin's Paris apartment, with bright blue walls. Lalique doors from 1925 are another highlight of beautiful pieces selected from the museum's collection of 150,000 objects.
The museum also has an excellent gift shop, filled with innovative work by local artists and craftsmen, along with a fine library of art and design books. For more information, check out the web link (above) or telephone 01.44.55.57.50 (inside Paris) or (33) 1.44.55.57.50 outside France.
I just love interior decorating, and the idea of an entire musee dedicated to it sounds completely wonderful. Another place to see on my someday journey to Paris.
Posted by: boliyou | 24 September 2006 at 18:23
amazing candelabra. someone once said to me 'have only things in your home that are beautiful and/or functional'. i would say that this is both.
Posted by: leonie | 21 September 2006 at 16:18
i'll have to check out this link. j'adore petite museums. and i am planning a paris trip for may of this year, to meet my stepdaughter who'll be on an academic trip to provence.
mai oui!
Posted by: swampgrrl | 21 September 2006 at 15:25
It sounds delicious. Thanks for the information :)
Posted by: Di | 21 September 2006 at 11:18
Oh, I'd so love to go to Paris to see all those museums, antique shops and flea markets - but first I have to get to Scotland because of my ancestors, so I think it will be quite a few years before I manage Paris.
Still, a girl can dream :)
Posted by: Catherine | 21 September 2006 at 06:53
you are one lucky girl....
Posted by: kj | 21 September 2006 at 02:16
I love types of exhibits. I loved the room settings at V&A. I just saw that, Lalique doors? Wow. That must be simply amazing!!! Of course, the gifts shops are the best!!
Posted by: Rosa | 21 September 2006 at 02:02
Very nice, the antique look makes it more alluring
Posted by: cathy | 21 September 2006 at 01:51
I guess it's all relative - when you said "small museum" I pictured something the size of ours - then "9 floors!" - But then compared to the Louvre, I suppose it would be small.
Thanks for another interesting post and photo!
Posted by: tinker | 21 September 2006 at 00:57
Thank you, Tara! I 'd read about the reopening of this museum, but will now be even more eager to see it, thanks to your endorsement! Girl, aren't you en route? Not that I'm trying to get rid of you! Wish I could go and draw Seville, too ;D.
Posted by: Laura | 21 September 2006 at 00:03
Lalique doors?
How enchanting:)
Love the candleabra...I like the "legs"
Posted by: Sophie | 20 September 2006 at 22:50
Now that would do much more damage than my baseball bat. LOL You are lucky to witness such treasures.
BTW I have no idea what a Longchamp or Bergen bag is. Can you say country bumpkin :)
Posted by: Tammy | 20 September 2006 at 18:57
Tara, when I make it back to Paris, I am going to have so many things on my list of 'to see', because of you! I will hardly have time for wine and cheese.
:)
Posted by: Amber | 20 September 2006 at 18:04
now there is a candleobra that can do some damage!
It reminds me so much of fantasia where the broom and the chair come alive and start walking around...
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 20 September 2006 at 17:53
You're definitely a gal after my own heart! I so love to read all that you know* & thank you shweety pie for your words of encouragement at my place ;) xo
Posted by: berriesplace | 20 September 2006 at 16:17
Thats what makes you so special Tara..you know the value of the things around!
Posted by: abhay | 20 September 2006 at 16:01
I checked out their website -- amazing!
Posted by: Deborah | 20 September 2006 at 15:52
Not that I'm all into twee, mind you, but this candlelabra seems a bit too wicked for my tastes. Kind of freaks me out. Might be nice as a Halloween decoration, though-- come to think of it.
However, that's just me and my timid midwestern taste! For you, Tara, it's divine. A work of art. Enjoy. :-)
Posted by: ally bean | 20 September 2006 at 15:27
Thank you for another "mist do" to add to the growing list...I visited the Mode et du Texile the last time I was in Paris to see the Handbag exhibit which was like dining on chocolat in Heaven :-) (My favorite small museum (so far) is the Rodin.)
Posted by: susan | 20 September 2006 at 15:08
Thank you for another "must do" to add to the growing list...I visited the Mode et du Texile the last time I was in Paris to see the Handbag exhibit which was like dining on chocolat in Heaven :-) (My favorite small museum (so far) is the Rodin.)
Posted by: susan | 20 September 2006 at 15:07
In portuguese say: Candelabro
Have a good week my friend.
See you
Posted by: mauricio | 20 September 2006 at 13:59
I love that candlestick. I would have bought it too!
Posted by: miss*R | 20 September 2006 at 13:19
Now that is what I call a candlestick!
Posted by: Mark McLellan | 20 September 2006 at 13:08