Musee de Cluny (National Museum of the Middle Ages), Paris

The Cluny Museum, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is a sanctuary of medieval art in the French capital. Nestled within the historical layers of the city, it occupies the Hôtel de Cluny, initially the 15th-century abode of the affluent abbot of Cluny Abbey, established over the remnants of Roman baths. This site also hosted illustrious figures like Mary Tudor, an English princess who was briefly Queen of France as the third wife of King Louis XII. The building used to serve various functions, including an observatory, a printing press, and a dissection room during revolutionary upheavals.

The architecture of the museum uniquely melds the ancient Roman thermae, evident in the well-preserved frigidarium (the cold room, one of the three main chambers of a Roman bath), with the medieval building, showcasing a blend of Gothic and early Renaissance elements. In 1832, Alexandre du Sommerard, an archeologist and art enthusiast deeply fascinated by medieval and Renaissance artifacts, purchased the property and later bequeathed his substantial collection to the French people. A year before his death in 1842, the Cluny was inaugurated as a museum.

Reopened in 2022 after extensive renovations, the museum houses 23,000 medieval artifacts, with about 2,300 currently on display across its 11,500 square feet exhibition space. The collection spans from the Gallo-Roman era to the 16th century, including significant contributions from the Byzantine Empire and the medieval Islamic world. Notable among these is the "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestry series, woven in Flanders around 1485-1500, depicting the senses of sight, touch, taste, smell, sound, and a mysterious sixth sense represented by the motto "To my only desire." These tapestries dramatically capture the romantic chivalry of the era, enriched with vibrant woodland imagery.

The museum's Roman relics trace back to the 1st-century Boatman Pillar, dedicated to Emperor Tiberius, and the frigidarium proudly exhibits Roman and Byzantine treasures, such as two 4th-century rock crystal lion heads. The museum also highlights Romanesque art, including the Majestic Christ capital, and showcases the secular demand for Gothic art evident in artifacts like the limestone statue of Adam.

For enthusiasts of medieval European art, the Cluny Museum offers a profound journey through the artistic and historical epochs that shaped medieval Europe. With comprehensive English descriptions and an optional audio guide, this museum is a captivating destination for both the art connoisseur and the casual visitor, promising an enriching exploration of history and artistic legacy.