Opera Garnier

 Opera Garnier is so stunning that it is impossible to explain its beauty.  So, here are a few without the words that would not do it justice.

Musee des Arts Decoratif

This museum is a stand-alone venue that is part of the Louvre.

The museum is across the street from a huge golden statue of Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc).

The museum displays one gorgeous work of decorative art after another, from many periods.

I love this Houdon bust of the mathematician and astronomer Pierre-Simon, marquis de Laplace, in large part because it was paired with Louis-Leopold Boilly's painting of the Atelier of Houdon, in which the sculptor is working on this very bust, with Pierre-Simon sitting for him.

Eglise Saint-Sulpice

 

The beautiful baroque Eglise Saint-Sulpice was built from 1646 through 1870.

We visited it a few days ago during the day.

Last night we returned for a concert pairing Ravel's Bolero and Mozart's Requiem.  It seemed an unusual pairing.  Glad we went, but I don't have much time for a write-up.  Sorry. 

Carrousel Garden

 

Where in the world is Jack?  Why, he is in Paris with friends from college for a week or so.

Miscellany

Some more assorted images.

A fine bust of Dante Aligheri is in the lobby of Waterbury's library.

The Connecticut Humane Society recently opened a new regional pet resource center in Wilton.

Isn't this secret gate a charmer?

Can't miss the Lions' collection point for eyeglasses and hearing aids.

 This statue in front of New Milford's library really suits the venue.  I didn't see the sculptor's name.

Potpourri

Gnome home.

 

Christian Science Church and a little replica building holding church literature.

Vintage denim shop.

I'll pass, thank you.

The old railroad station, now part of the lumber and hardware store.

I walked past these two dogs and turned to look at them.  Big mistake!  They leapt to their feet, barked noisily, ran toward me and showed their teeth.  I moved away really fast.

Father Conway

On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was struck by Japanese torpedoes in the Pacific Ocean.  It sank.   That day, 1,197 men went into the shark infested waters. Only 317 survived.

Father Thomas M. Conway of Waterbury survived the sinking.  For more than three days, he swam from group to group, aided the wounded, ministered to the dying, and calmed the frightened with his faith and prayers.  He helped save the lives of 67 men.

On the fourth day, August 2, 1945. Father Conway was the last chaplain to die in combat in World War ll.

A compelling bust honoring Father Conway is on church property facing Waterbury Green.  

Elicit Brewing Company

 A big brewery opened in Danbury in July.  It is already very popular.  It is the fourth Connecticut location opened by a man named Eli, hence "Elicit" as the business name.  

Prolific Connecticut-based muralist Ben Keller painted three murals for the speakeasy room.  

This is the Mad Hatter.

A Keller mural of a pensive David Bowie is the second mural in the room.

Madonna is at the end, making eye contact.

Linked to Monday Murals.

Watertown United Methodist Church

 

There are three churches within one block, near the intersection of Watertown's Main Street and Connecticut Route 6.  This is the Methodist church.

RidgeCon

 Last weekend, Ridgefield Library hosted RidgeCon, an event encouraging dress-up like comic book and fantasy characters.

Several library employees dressed up.

A vendor outside didn't have much business.

Walkers

 Sometimes I walk on Main Street south of the downtown.  It is a one to three mile walk, depending on where I start and where I turn back toward town.

It is very pretty.

Benches are placed along the walk.  Sometimes I sit and watch other walkers pass by.  These folks were on the other side of the street.

I sometimes see Marty and Pam out walking along Main Street.  On this day they beat me to a bench.

Waterbury City Hall

 I went to Waterbury to see its elegant and restored City Hall.

The marble-faced building and four other municipal buildings in the complex were constructed in the 1910s.  All were designed by noted architect (and longtime Ridgefield resident) Cass Gilbert in the Georgian Revival and Second Renaissance Revival architectural styles.

The entire five building complex is on the National Register of Historic Places.  They were originally financed by one of Waterbury's brass manufacturing companies.

The central staircase is a masterpiece. 

 

A statue and plaques honoring Gold Star Mothers are in the center.

An "aldermanic chamber" for formal meetings of the city's governing body is at one end of the second floor.

Waterbury's financial fortunes suffered in the late 20th century when brass manufacturing moved to other states and countries.  City Hall suffered serious neglect and most civic functions left the building.  But, in 2007 a large bond issue was approved to finance renovation of the building.  It reopened in 2011.