Back to my off the beaten paths sites in my eternal Paris. One building went several times on private function as an American in Paris was the Fondation Mona Bismarck where many American clubs and institution held their home thanks to the generosity of the foundation. Beautiful surrounding, and marvelous terrace garden and many souvenirs of friendship for many years. The Fondation decided to turn all its efforts towards the arts ,and the clubs/Institutions there left elsewhere in Paris. I left too out to Brittany so several years not there, but still the memories. Time to have it paste to my blog for old time’s sake. Hope you enjoy it and do come and see the exhibitions.
Let me tell you a bit on the now Mona Bismarck American Center in Paris.
The Mona Bismarck American Center, founded by Mona Bismarck, aims to offer the public a wide variety of American artistic and cultural experiences through innovative programming choices, in the heart of Paris. The new Mona Bismarck American Center was launched in 2011, building on the foundations of the former Mona Bismarck Foundation whose public activities began in 1986 following the death of its founder and patron. Philanthropist Mona Bismarck has made many donations, including the Bismarck Sapphire Necklace. In order to perpetuate her work, she bequeathed her mansion and the majority of her property to the Mona Bismarck Foundation, with the aim of reinforcing the Franco-American friendship and understanding through art and culture. It is located at 34 Avenue de New-York in the 16éme arrondissement or district of Paris, overlooking the Seine river. You get there on the metro Iéna or Alma-Marceau of line 9. Also, bus lines 72, 63, 92, 32, and 82. I do came here by car so parked at Alma George V entrance by avenue George V.
Located on the banks of the Seine river, opposite the Eiffel Tower, the mansion was built at the end of the 19C. At the end of the 1950’s, the house was adapted to the needs of the Bismarck couple. The hotel was featured in an edition of Vogue fashion magazine in 1928. The hotel was built in 1890 by the architect Jules Guichard. It is inspired by the classical French architecture. On the avenue, the stone façade is punctuated by ionic pilasters. At the back, the house overlooks a terrace and a pleasant private garden. Inside, the hotel retains beautiful lounges decorated with antique woodwork or rooms decorated with Chinese wallpapers with colorful and intricate motifs, with its chandeliers and terrace opening onto a private garden, the estate welcomes the cultural events offered by the Center.
The Mona Bismarck American Center usually organizes an exhibition annually, in collaboration with renowned cultural institutions, be they French, American or world . The exhibitions focus on a particular artist or theme, and cover a wide spectrum of contemporary artistic styles and movements.
Who was this lady well a bit more on just her.
Mona von Bismarck (also known as Mona Bismarck), was born Margaret Edmona Travis Strader on February 5, 1897 in Louisville, Kentucky and died on July 10, 1983 in Paris, is an American socialite, fashion icon and member of the Cafe Society. In 1933, she was voted “the most elegant woman in the World” by Chanel, Molineux, Vionnet, Lelong and Lanvin. Throughout her life, Mona Bismarck maintained privileged relationships with large public figures such as President Roosevelt, President Eisenhower, the Duke of Windsor, Princess Grace of Monaco, and personalities of the Arts such as Greta Garbo, Cristobal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Paul Newman, etc. As a philanthropist and patron, she founded the Mona Bismarck American Center in Paris. Mona von Bismarck bears the name of the fourth of her five husbands, Count Édouard von Bismarck, grandson of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Germany. She is sometimes dubbed the “Countess of Kentucky”. In the field of art history, she is known as “Mrs. Harrison Williams”, named after her third husband, because of the portrait that Salvador Dalí made of her under this title in 1943. She became Countess Mona von Bismarck. The couple lived mainly in Paris in their apartment at the Hôtel Lambert and later in the mansion of 34, New York Avenue and in Capri, Italy.
Some webpages to plan your trip here and for the arts concious and the views on the Seine is a must.
Official Mona Bismarck American Center
Tourist office of Paris on heritage of Mona Bismarck
There you a lovely walk from Trocadéro down Avenue de New York facing the Seine river,love it. Hope you can enjoy it too. Mona Bismarck American Center of Paris.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 