français friday

I know that Parisians debated most passionately when the Louvre had its glass pyramids addition, completed in 1989 (the year we were married!).

The Palais du Louvre, which houses one of the most stunning collections of artworks in the world, is known first and foremost as a museum. Yet for almost seven hundred years the buildings constituted one of the principal residences of the kings and emperors of France. In 1793, the Louvre became a museum, and has been given over ever since to the conservation and presentation of thousands of artworks and legacies of past civilizations.

The construction of the pyramid triggered considerable controversy, many people feeling that this futuristic edifice looks quite out of place in front of the Louvre Museum with its classical architecture. Others came to appreciate the juxtaposing of contrasting architectural styles as a successful merger of the old and the new, the classical and the ultra-modern.

I understand the feelings of hesitation re: mixing vieux et nouveau. (it's just like eating nuts with chocolate: no. NO.)


and i had exactly the same reaction when, after mooching through this beautiful garden, basking in the sparkly magic of exquisite structures,


ponds and fronds, and statues.... including Mr Tumnus lol..


we came across this:


I do love the Louvre's pyramids: they add a breathtaking quality and provide a wonderful place to chat and cool off on a hot summer's day..
but français-ly, that surreal face gave me a fright.