Vuitton triumphs

Just in time for this month's blog, I want to rave about the Fondation Louis Vuitton building I visited last weekend in Paris - a Frank Gehry masterpiece. Intrigued by some press snippet and having loved the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, it was my 'must see' for the trip. I know the Guggenheim may be 'old hat' by now but let me tell you, there is nothing old or hattish about this latest architectural gem. It soars, it sweeps, it curves, it floats - it makes you gasp out loud. The shiny sails of the building rise up from the ever popular Jardin amusement park on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne. The fountains and running pools of water lead from one to the other. So two hits for the price of one - literally. And as if this wasn't enough already, then you get inside and see how the wide open, airy spaces and lighting to die for showcase the most stunning exhibition of 20th century art. Too many to list here but including Kandinski, Dix, Delauney, Matisse, Giacometti, Rothko, Picasso, Munch and more. Bernard Arnault, with Gehry, fought hard against considerable opposition to achieve this multi-million euro vision. I'm glad they succeeded. All those ridiculously expensive handbags suddenly make more sense now - hmmm - having said that, I'll probably not be rushing to buy one any time soon.