Cluny Museum of Medieval Art

John and I visited the beautiful Hôtel de Cluny, the former palace of the Burgundian Abbots of Cluny, on the Left Bank of Paris.

It now houses the National Museum of Medieval Art.

The Hôtel de Cluny was built between 1485-1510 and mixes Late Medieval and Early Renaissance elements. When we entered the courtyard it was like experiencing time travel.

 There was a special exhibition of German Late Medieval sculpture from Swabia when we visited. Virgin and Child (above). Atelier of Daniel Mauch, 1510-1520. Polychromed wood

 John taking the picture.

Polychrome Christ Child. 

 Christ of Rameaux. Memmingen, between 1515-1525

 Christ of Rameaux (detail).

From the Swabian show we continued into the massive collection of the Cluny Museum.  Carrying of the Cross, stained glass, ca1500.

Medieval vision of the Apocalypse. Stained glass. ca 1248.

This large room featured gorgeous Romanesque crucifixions in painted wood.

Parts of the ancient Roman baths on which the palace was built have been opened to the public.

John taking a photo of

 Emperor Julian the Apostate, Roman Empire, end of the 4th century BC.

 We returned to the vast collection of the Cluny. Baptism of Christ, 14th century. Love the representation of river water on Christ's legs.

 Seated Virgin and Child, Ile-de-France, ca 1300, elephant ivory.

A reliquary.

Checking the museum plan.

 Consular diptych of Areobindus, Constantinople, 506. Elephant ivory.

An elegant gentleman in wood.

One of many tapestries. Wine making.

The chapel with its Late Gothic ceiling.

We'll end our short tour with one last glance back at the architectural details of the hôtel.

Add the Musée national du Moyen Âge to your Paris must-visit list!