Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

It is true, all of the Parisians leave Paris in August.  Neighborhood stores close one by one with signs announcing that they will be away for the next three weeks.  Our two closest bakeries are closed for vacation.  Horrors!  The absence of people is quite noticeable; when I look out our window the sidewalks are empty and it is impossible to get anything done.  We are gearing up for our own vacances and I am getting antsy to be on the move.

It was a beautiful day today and the girls and I walked to Marché Président Wilson and to Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.  Président Wilson, which both girls say more often with a French accent than not, is our closest outdoor market and it is open every Wednesday and Saturday morning.  About half of the regular vendors are on vacation, but there is still plenty to see and to buy.  The Musée is right next door to the marché and the permanent collection is free.

Greek Gods and Goddesses--lightning from Zeus!

We began our visit in Salle Dufy.  Raoul Dufy created this enormous mural for L'Exposition Internationale des Arts et des Techniques de 1937.  it shows the history of electricity and many of the scientists who have put it to use. 

The mural fills and entire room and we had a good time exploring the different portraits of the scientists and their names.  We found Monsier LeBlanc!

It is a very colorful mural with lots of action and the girls spent a lot of time looking at it all.  A lot of the permanent collection is currently closed.  The part that was open today was perfect for us.

3 Pains aux Chocolats for 2 Euros!  Sylvia treated us.
We have a family rule that if a treat is bigger than your head that you should share it.  We decided to ignore the family rule.

Across from Musée d'Art Moderne is Musée Galliera de la Mode.  It is closed for renovation until spring 2013, but you can still explore the gardens.  There were lots of people buying lunch at the marché and picnicking in the garden.

Below are a couple of random photos from our last visit to the Louvre.  The Louvre is still crazy busy.  We did find some quieter spots.  These guys are some of my favorites.