When visiting the Centre Pompidou (see previous post), you would normally also have a look at the Stravinsky Fountain (see previous post), but you would possibly neglect the Saint-Merri Church behind the Fountain.
Although I already reported on the Fountain, maybe a few more pictures, as it has recently been renovated. The problem with modern sculptures, especially if they are supposed to move and threw water like these Saint Phalle – Tinguely ones, is that renovations are needed now and then.
The Saint-Merri Church - named after an abbot who died in 700, buried here, also referred to as Medericus, Méderic or Merry - was in its present form constructed in the beginning of the 16th century in a late gothic style. The bell tower, rather the campanile, contains the oldest Paris bell, from 1331!
The 1650 organ has during the centuries bee modified by some famous organ-buiders (Clocquot, Cavaillé-Coll...) and among the organists there are some famous names like Saint-Saëns.
You would believe that the stained glass windows, as in many churches, have suffered by the Revolution, but it seems that part of the stained glass was replaced by transparent glass already before the Revolution as the interior was too dark.
Not only modern sculptures, but also old churches need to be restored, which is obvious when you look around the main entrance.
Preceding the mass, there are concerts every Saturday afternoon by a choir of excellent reputation (“Académie Vocale de Paris”), which has also performed at e.g. Westminster Abbey and is booked for several NYC concerts (Saint Thomas, Saint John, Saint Patrick, Trinity…). Maybe more surprising; some of the side chapels are today used for art exhibitions.
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