Musee des Arts Forains

By on 14/08/2010 in Paris
Musee des Arts Forains night view

Musee des Arts Forains night view

The Musee des Arts Forains – Collection Jean-Paul Favand is a private museum of funfair objects located within the Pavillons de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement at 53, avenue des Terroirs de France, Paris, France, with temporary exhibition space at 64, rue des Pirogues de Bercy. It is open to the public by prior reservation.

The museum was created by Jean Paul Favand, an actor and antiques dealer, from his private collection. It opened to the public in 1996, and now contains a variety of objects dating between 1850-1950 including 14 amusement rides, 16 fair stalls and restored attractions, 18 sets of historical works, and 1522 independent works. The collections include merry go rounds and carousels, German swings, hundred-year-old bicycles, Japanese billiards, a Parisian Waiter Race and a Hooghuys Organ, and the grand vizier Ali Pasha.

The museum is composed of two major parts: the permanent collection and the temporary collection:

Permanent Collection

This collection is composed of three thematic rooms (each of about 2000 square meters): “The Venitians Lounges” (Les Salons Vénitiens), “The Marvelous Theater” (Le Théâtre du merveilleux) and “The Fairground Art Museum” (Le musée des Arts forains). Mainly used for companies events (product launching for instance), it’s also possible to visit as simple guest (by reservation only).

Throughout the tour (or the event), the guests are invited to discover three universes:

  • The Marvelous Theater: A glimpse to the biggest world fairs of the beginning of the 20th century (especially Paris’1900). An automatic orchestra (controlled by computer) or a “reatmosphering show” are likely to be seen here: thanks to 12 projectors, the walls are methamorphosing into Captain Nemo’s Nautilus submarine, or a coral reef.
  • The Venitians Lounges: In a typical venitian atmosphere, find in that room an Italian opera based show, performed by some automatons, or go for a ride on agondola merry-go-round.
  • The Fairground Art Museum: A special tribute to the 19th century funfair: ride a bicycle merry-go-round or play at a Parisian Waiter Race stand.

Temporary Collection

This 150 square meters room has already welcomed some temporary exhibitions, like a model funfair at the 1/20th scale, composed of 39 moving rides and 25 funfair booths.

This area is not home to any exhibition yet. The official website is www.pavillons-de-bercy.com (Text Source: Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia)

Practical Information:

  • Location: 53, avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012, Paris  France
  • Tel: 01 43 40 16 22
  • Fax: 01 43 40 16 89
  • Reservations: 01 43 40 16 15
  • E-mail: infos@pavillons-de-bercy.com

Musee des Arts Forains Map and Street Tour:

(Please put the yellow man icon -on the upper left hand corner- on the map to see original photo of the place and start street tour…)

[mappress mapid="52"]

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