The Jeu de Paume (II) (at Hotel Sully) (literally: "real tennis", site Sully) (Jeu de Paume (official site)

A review of the Jeu de Paume (at Concorde Square) as a site for contemporary art shows. Note that the Jeu de Paume has two sites, geographically separated. One is at Concorde Square, the other at the Hotel Sully. The second one is the one discussed below.

The building was designed in the 17th century. It is worth visiting the inner courtyard, open to the public, that connects Rue Rivoli and the Place des Vosges, in the Marais neighbourhood. The basement is used for contemporary art exhibitions, but it not always ideal. Light is scarce, which is compensated for by many spotlights. However these heat up the basement in the summer to sometimes unbearable temperatures. Cozy in winter though. The shows are of a high level, but may not always be introduced or hung well. Still, the charm of the mix of seventeenth century basement atmosphere with quality contemporary art is not to be ignored.

Example show: Great individual show on the photographer Stephen Shore.

Copyright 2005, by Jan Troost