Is next to the navy museum, glen DE la Marine - which is currently showing exhibition ship through age and the Cite DE l 'Architecture, etc. Du Patrimoine, show its ancient times from French architect until now.
A short walk away is the Palais Galliera, or fashion museum. Housed in a classical museum behind beautiful wrought-iron gates, it shows temporary exhibitions from its vast collection. At the time of my visit, it was closed for summer renovations but it was holding an Yves Saint Laurent retrospective off-site at the Petit Palais, for which, as usual, there was an enormous queue. Opposite the Palais Galliera are the Palais de Tokyo and Musee d'Art Moderne.
The Palais de Tokyo is the antithesis of classical Paris, with its industrial glass and concrete design housing cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. The accompanying museum collection is in no way comparable to the Pompidou Centre but is worth a look for its small and succinct display that includes works by
Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, whose famous La Danse murals featuring human bodies in motion take up an entire room.
The Baccarat museum on Place des Etats-Unis, a short walk from Place d'Iena, has a tantalising collection of its renowned crystal.
There are exquisite pieces created for maharajas of India and an enormous chandelier made for the Russian tsars, among numerous treasures. A sweeping staircase takes you to the Cristal Room, a restaurant fit for Cinderella with glittering tableware, satin chairs, mirrors and chandeliers dripping with crystals.
Gentlemen note: the lunch menu at the Cristal Room is €55 ($72). Take the lady of your life as a surprise (tell her to dress up first) and you will generate an absolute fortune in goodwill.
As with all museums in Paris, it pays to do a bit of research because they are often closed for renovations and many of them are closed on Tuesdays, for example. And since popular exhibitions attract huge queues, try to book tickets online well in advance.
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