Paris: Art, Books + Quiche = Happiness

Halle Saint Pierre is the cat’s meow Photos by Theadora Brack

View of Sacré Coeur

By Theadora Brack

Let’s face it. It rains a great deal in Paris. So what to do? Where to go? Fret not because I have a plan for you.

Today, let’s huddle at the Musée Halle Saint Pierre. Rain or shine, it’s one of my favorite museums in the world. Interested? Grab your hat and parapluie, too. Because, baby, it is cold outside!

Halle Saint Pierre

Located smack dab in the heart of Montmartre, Halle Saint Pierre is very similar in spirit to Switzerland’s Collection de l’Art Brut, Chicago’s Intuit Center, and Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum.

This international jewel features both contemporary and historic works by self-taught, visionary and outsider artists.

Shine on at the HSP bookshop

Favorite hangout

Housed in a former 19th-century food market, Halle Saint Pierre is a busy cultural hub, boasting one of the best art bookshops in Paris, along with a cozy café with a striking view of Sacré Coeur.

It’s the perfect place to take a break after seeing one of the museum’s thought-provoking exhibitions. Art also lines the walls in the café! So sample the house red and the homemade quiche, and gaze up to your heart’s desire! No one’s gonna kick you out. It’s Paris, after all.

Check it out

Also, stop by the funky bookshop! Here you’ll find art, posters and note cards, along with books and magazines. Looking for specific title? Ask buyer and manager Laurence Maidenbaum. Helpful and friendly, she’s worked at the museum for decades. She knows!

Grab a pencil!

Musée Halle Saint Pierre
2 rue Ronsard, 18th arrondissement
Métro: Abbesses, Anvers

Open: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM

Tags: Art, Cats, Halle Saint Pierre, Museums, Paris, Shopping, Theadora Brack, Travel

7 thoughts on “Paris: Art, Books + Quiche = Happiness”

thefashionexaminer on 01/02/2012 at at said:

Love that kitty mural! Do you know if it’s available as a poster? Would love to hang that in my home!

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- Theadora Brack on 01/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Vivian, I love the kitty mural, too! It’s not available as a poster. Yet! I’ve asked the museum. And I’ll keep asking. It’s pretty great! Theadora
  
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Martino on 01/02/2012 at at said:

Halle Saint Pierre is one of my favorite places to meet people in Paris too! It’s small enough that you can find each other easily, while there always plenty to see (and read) in its bookstore. How cool that you mentioned it too!

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- Theadora Brack on 01/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Martino! I agree. Halle Saint Pierre is the perfect place to meet up with friends. By the way, its “Hey! Modern Art & Pop Culture” exhibit will close on Sunday, March 4th 2012. Trekking to Paris soon? Don’t miss it! It’s fantastical. Cheers, Theadora
  
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printandpattern on 14/02/2012 at at said:

it’s been a while without checking your blog, I’m sorry and I’ve been busy, but this post I love it!! because I visited that place, about a year ago! and it’s been quite funny that you post about it ! 🙂
Each time I visit your blog I like more and more your posts, good job friend!

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- Theadora Brack on 14/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Merci, Print and Pattern! I feel the same way about your fabulous site. The admiration is oh, so mutual! Yes, Musée Halle Saint Pierre is one of my favorite museums in the world. Their current show is incredible! “Hey! Modern Art et Pop Culture” closes on March 4th 2012. Seize the day! Theadora
  
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AK Angelo Kangleon on 16/02/2012 at at said:

Staring dreamily at the Halle Saint Pierre bookshop photo. Where I’m from the bookshops aren’t that gorgeous!

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