An American in Paris
History tells us that Benjamin Franklin loved Paris. And the Parisians loved him as well. During his tenure as U.S. ambassador to France, he was hugely popular in the court of Louis XVI for his brilliance yet he stayed true to his humble background. He won the support of the French in the American War of Independence and on a personal note, he was quite a favorite with the ladies, being a notorious flirt! The mutual admiration continues as Paris plays host to not one but two exhibitions dedicated to this man. 
Musée Carnavalet looks at his life during his stay in the French capital (1776-1785) with 340 paintings, sculptures and documents telling the tale. I recommend going through the entire museum as it is one of the best in the city. Two adjoining mansions in the heart of the Marais have become home to a permanent collection of bits and pieces of memorabilia or entire rooms, literally, that have been salvaged and recreated here. This might not be on your list of places to go but it so should be. Their gift shop has some of the most unique finds around–great knick-knacks, jewelry and the best collection of odd but interesting literature that you won’t find anywhere else. 
Musée des Arts et Métiers celebrates the man as inventor, musician, and entrepreneur. Different successes in his life are displayed here and this museum, like Musée Carnavalet is located in the third arrondissment and both could easily be covered in the same afternoon.
- Musée Carnavalet: ”An American in Paris” through March 9, 2008 23 rue de Sévigné, Metro: Saint-Paul or Chemin Vert. Free admission–various rates for exhibitions.
- Musée des Arts et Métiers: “Benjamin Franklin: Homme de Science, Homme du Monde” through March 30, 2008 60 rue Réaumur, Metro: Arts et Métiers or Réaumur-Sébastopol Free admission–5.50 euros for temporary exhibits
2 Comments
Huzzah!
What a great exhibit. The Carnavalet is a real, largely undiscovered, gem. Anyone who’ll be in Paris during the exhibit should make a point of going.