Decorum - Carpets and Tapestries by Artists at MaM

Paris' Museum of Modern Art (MaM) is putting textiles in the spotlight with this new exhibition, Decorum, featuring over 100 rugs and tapestries created by modern and contemporary artists from the world over. The thematic show explores a medium that was long considered a minor art form in the realm of women or craftsmen, with works that combine art and design - and are in some ways at the forefront of abstraction and installation art - from big names in the modern art world such as Louise Bourgeois, Picasso and Francis Bacon, as well as contemporary artists such as Pae White and Mike Kelley, alongside anonymous works from different periods and countries including Turkey, Iran and Morocco. The tapestries and rugs on display range from decorative pieces with geometric or patterned motifs that are both functional and esthetic, right through to sculptural works that occupy space and are essentially 3D, woven sculptures.

Palais de Tokyo Reopens

After ten months of renovation, the Palais de Tokyo officially reopens to the public today with the exhibition La Triennale.

The cultural centre first opened its doors ten years ago as a space dedicated to contemporary art and has gone on to become the place for avant-garde creation in Paris, in the midst of an otherwise bourgeoise and residential part of town. With no permanent collection, the institution hosts temporary exhibitions only, and has also previously been home to Black Block (the shop from the man about town André Saraiva), Nomiya (a restaurant on the roof of the building) and several events including activities for La Nuit des Musées and La Nuit Blanche.

Now, following the completion of the renovation work, Palais de Tokyo is one of the largest sites dedicated to contemporary creativity in Europe, its surface area almost tripling to 22,000 m2. In addition to four floors of exhibition space, the brut concrete and metal setting also houses a bookshop, the Saut du Loup restaurant, private members' club Tokyo Art Club, Little Tokyo - a space for childrens' activities, and the Tokyo Eat restaurant. Another new restaurant, which will also serve cocktails, will be opening September 2012.

From today until 26th August, 2012, the exhibition La Triennale - curated by Okwui Enwezor- will be on show, bringing together  works from several French and International artists (including Annette Messager, Chris Ofili and Thomas Struth) around the theme of Intense Proximity, the exhibition's sub-heading, demonstrating creativity in the context of a diverse and globalised France.

Palais de Tokyo

13 avenue du Président Wilson, 75016 Paris

www.palaisdetokyo.com

Open midday-midnight everyday except Tuesday

Photos: all rights reserved Kim Laidlaw Adrey 2012 

Jardin d'Acclimatation

We might as well face it, Summer is almost over in Paris and outdoor pursuits will soon become slightly less appealing. So it's now or never (oh alright, or next year) to appreciate all the fun open air frolics the city has to offer. A good wholesome day out, especially if you have kids, is at the Jardin d'Acclimitation in the Bois de Boulogne, one of Paris' most expansive green spaces. The Jardin hosts a full array of fun things for children (or simpletons like myself) to do from fairground rides to a mini zoo. You can also take a little toy town train from Porte Maillot to get there, to start your adventure off. One word of warning would be to watch out that you don't spend a fortune here though - you have to pay for the train, entry into the park and each ride, although once your in, there are plenty of free attractions to keep you occupied (like stroking the sheep and goats, for a start) and picnics are allowed.

Jardin d'Acclimatation

Bois de Boulogne

Open May - Sept, 10am - 7pm / Oct - April 10am - 6pm

Entry €2.90 / free for children under 3 years old

Rides €2.70 each

www.jardinacclimatation.fr