As a major part of the imaginative Musée des Arts Forains, the Théâtre du Merveilleux dazzles the eye and the ear. Celebrating the magic lantern and other "new" techologies such as visual effects and lighting, the room presents a variety of "curiosities." The world of theater and entertainment has been at the forefront of new technologies for a long time.

A very large hot air balloon that evokes thoughts of Around the World in Eighty Days, greets you as you enter.

The huge ballroom contains some wonderful musical instruments, including a grand piano overseen by a unicorn and a 1930s organ. You're invited to dance to the music, and you can also watch some of the organ works as the music plays.

Want to try an old fashioned carnival game? Twelve people can sit and try to move their "race horses" along the track. Modeled after the famous Palio in Siena, it's great fun to watch the horses move and wonder who will win.

As with the other parts of the Musée des Arts Forains, you must schedule your visit in advance and make a reservation. Details and a link to the site are here.

Equally delightful (and part of the same guided visit) are the Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts) and the Salons Venetiens. (Note that Musée des Arts Forains is the name of the overall museum, as well as one specific building/set of exhibits.)

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