Le Chemin du Montparnasse, once a vital part of Paris' Montparnasse art scene, circa early 20th Cent, (just an alleyway, really!) was also –till just recently, home to le Musee du Montparnasse –though now it is shuttered.
Le Musee began life as the studio of Russian artist Marie Vassilieff, but after serving as volunteer nurse during WWI with the French Red Cross, and then seeing how that war had impoverished many of Paris’ local artists, she opened a canteen where the down and out could eat (and drink!) for but centimes!
Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Modigliani, and many other poets and writers were known to ‘hang’ and have ateliers in the area. A little historical digging will reveal some hilarious tales… While the Musee is closed, there are planned renovations for the area (which will hopefully make the famed lane-way vibrant once again) which call for mixed-use ateliers, institutional, business and government sponsored projects, a possible arts academy ...and other initiatives. From my last reading the renovations should be underway by 2016.
I love Paris, its history, lore, facts, myths and everything in between. If you do, or know someone who does, please share! And, I enjoy receiving comments!
