The fall season is heating up in Paris with an eclectic variety of cultural events, including museum exhibitions, dance, opera and theater. Here are six of our top, unmissable experiences.
“Stephen Jones, Chapeaux d’Artiste”
British born Stephen Jones has unique place in fashion history, having exclusively designed hats for over 40 years. A collection of 110 of his hats plus archives, drawings, sketches and photographs will be on display at Palais Galliera. Jones has designed hats for major fashion houses including Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Louis Vuitton and Thierry Mugler.
On exhibition from October 19, 2024 to March 16, 2025 at Palais Galliera. Visit www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr.
“Madame Butterfly”
The classic opera "Madame Butterfly" by Puccini gets a modern-day update by the legendary director Robert Wilson, who also designed the set and lighting. The moving story, set in the early 1900s, is about a geisha having an affair with American naval officer, who abandons her to marry a western woman. Subtitles are in French and English, and the performance runs three hours plus an intermission.
Available through October at the Opera Bastille. Visit www.operadeparis.fr.
“Les Fleurs De Saint Laurent”
Influenced by the novel, Remembrance of Things Past by Marcel Proust, Yves Saint Laurent—like Proust—had a passion for flowers. Saint Laurent was always surrounded by flowers in his various homes, including his Paris apartment, chateaux in France and villa in Marrakech. The exhibition showcases clothing with flower motifs from the 1960s until the early 2000s. American artist Sam Falls was invited to create a parterre (flower bed) to accompany the exhibit.
On exhibition through May 4, 2025 at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Visit www.museeyslparis.com.
“Surrealism”
In a monumental event before it closes for renovation in 2025, the Centre Pompidou is pulling out all the stops for 100th anniversary of the Surrealism art movement.
The expansive exhibition, taking up the entire fifth floor, is divided into 14 sections, which are inspired by writers including Lautréamont, Lewis Carroll and Sade. Paintings, drawings and photographs proliferate the exhibit to immerse the visitor in a wild and whimsical world. Artists include Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Dora Marr and Max Ernst.
Open through January 13, 2025 at the Centre Pompidou. Visit www.centrepompidou.fr.
“Hello Dolly”
The great American musical “Hello Dolly” is finally headed to Paris. With glorious music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, “Hello Dolly” has unforgettable songs and musical numbers, including “Before the Rousing Parade Passes By,” the romantic ballad “It Only Takes a Moment” and the showstopping title song, “Hello Dolly.” Australian actress Caroline O’Connor plays Dolly Levi.
“Hello Dolly” is performed in English with French sub titles. It is running from November 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025 at Lido 2 Paris. Visit www.lido2paris.com.
Netherlands Dance Theater
Two great choreographers have pooled their talents for a new dance piece for the acclaimed Netherlands Dance Theater. Christos Papadopoulos and Crystal Pite will co-choreograph “Solo Echo,” which is having it Paris premiere. The show is running October 23-26 at Theatre de la Ville.
For more information, visit www.theatredelaville-paris.com.
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