Museum of Sculpture in Open Air
Outdoor Art on the Bank of the River
The Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air, the Museum of Sculpture in Open Air, is located on the banks of the Seine River on Quai Saint Bernard in the 5th arrondissement.
This museum in open air is a park stretching some 600 meters along the river. It extends west from Place Valhubert and Gare d'Austerlitz to just east of Pont de Sully. It is located directly across the Quai Saint Bernard from the Jardin des Plantes.
The Museum was created in 1980 and has over fifty sculptures from the second half of the 20th century. Some of the artists represented are Brancusi, Gilioli and Cesar.
The sculptures are spread throughout the park, some on the strips of lawn, some in the fountains. A few are grouped together on an open square centrally located in the park.
There are sculptures near the children's playground and a few right on the water's edge, on the stone and concrete quay.
There are, as mentioned, strips of lawn and also plantings of flowering shrubs and assorted flower beds that change according to the season.
The Museum often holds temporary photographic exhibits. Bicycles can be rented here and it is also a pick-up drop-off point for the Batobus.
On week-ends during the summer, one of the many small plazas along the water's edge is a lively salsa dance spot in the afternoons.
Also along the waterfront are moored a number of charming houseboats.
This Museum is a great relaxation spot, affording great views and places to picnic. It is open 24 hours everyday and is handicapped accessible.
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