The Fondation Louis Vuitton, a museum dedicated to contemporary art and artists, is housed in a stunning glass and steel building by Frank Gehry that sits on the edge of the Jardin d'Acclimatation, the large children's amusement park that is part of the Bois de Boulogne. Opened in 2014, the Fondation brings a new emphsis on contemporary art from around the world.

Rising like a ship, the Fondation Louis Vuitton uses glass, steel, wood, water, and open space to make a statement.

The Fondation tends to host two major exhibitions of modern and contemporary art each year, curating shows of diverse international interest. Recent offerings include Art/Afrique, le nouvel atelier, which brought together contemporary art from Africa and with an emphsis on South Africa.

Prior exhibits included Icons of Modern Art. The Shchukin Collection, which brought 130 works of art from Russian museums to honor the collections of Sergei Shchukin, a 20th century patron of the arts. For a year the museum featured Observatory of Light, by Daniel Buren, for which many of the glass panels that make up the building were covered with colored filters. The first time I saw the building, it looked rather different than "normal."

The Fondation's permanent exhibition focuses on architect Frank Gehry and his vision and work in designing the building. Located on the upper stories of the museum, visitors reach the area by climbing stairs located inside the exposed steel structure, giving the impression of being inside a ship. Models, videos, sketches, and other displays provide an architectural journey through the building.

Visiting the Fondation Louis Vuitton takes a bit of planning, given its location and size. You can reserve and purchase tickets online, which will allow you access to the shorter line for ticket holders. The day I visited, without an advance reservation, I waited in line 15-20 minutes before clearing security and buying my ticket. Helpful staff provided everyone with large white parasols to keep the hot sun off; I imagine they serve as parapluies when it rains!

Once inside, the exhibits are clearly marked and you follow from one level to the next. Artistic displays are punctuated with videos from time to time. Descriptive signs are in both French and English.

I was struck by the sheer size of the spaces, and as a result the large and impressive art they could display. It calls to mind Mass MoCA, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, which has similar large displays. The MoCA building, however, is an old factory that has been repurposed, in contrast to this museum that was designed for contemporary art.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to visit the exterior spaces. The Grotto, on the lower level, allows you to see the beautiful fountain, with its cascading waterfall, up close. Exhibits line the exterior corridors as well.

On the upper levels, the central, east, and west terraces provide more striking architecture, cool breezes, and views over the Jardin d'Acclimatation and the Bois de Boulogne. In addition, you have a great perspective on the La Défense area, and other parts of Paris, including a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

The Fondation has a small café on the entry level. In addition, you can exit through the Jardin d'Acclimatation (or enter that way if you have purchased your ticket in advance). The Jardin has restaurants and other amusements.

Métro: Line 1, Les Sablons; from there follow the brown and white signs for Fondation Louis Vuitton. It is about a 15 minute walk.
Bus: 244; on weekends it stops at Fondation Louis Vuitton; otherwise Jardin d'Acclimatation stop.
Fondation Shuttle: For ticket holders, 2€. Leaves from Place Charles DeGaulle.

Fondation Louis Vuitton
8, avenue du Mahatma Ghandi
Bois de Boulogne
Paris 75116 France
+33 (0) 1 40 69 96 00

Closed Tuesday

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