"Minuit à Paris" peut manger son coeur!

January 25, 2013 8:17 AM

A collection of color photography and film footage of Paris and the surrounding area - from the early 20th century! - has been made available on the website of the Albert-Kahn Museum.
posted by jph (9 comments total)

This seems to link more directly the the high-res versions of the photos. I'm in awe.
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:37 AM on January 25

Yeah, I just didn't include that link because Le Monde indicated that it is published without the authorization of the museum. Still, you're right. It is a much better way to view them.
posted by jph at 8:45 AM on January 25

Le Monde indicated that it is published without the authorization of the museum.

Well, that sucks. Who do they think they are? Buzzfeed?
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:49 AM on January 25

The June-July1914 photographs are particularly haunting. If you listen closely you can hear the whisper of the axe. The family photo dated June 24 reminds the viewer that four days later the Archduke Franz Ferdinand would be assassinated. This was the last good summer Europe would have for a long time.
posted by mojohand at 9:07 AM on January 25 [2 favorites]

The footage of the burning of Printemps department store is so sad.
posted by shoesietart at 9:27 AM on January 25

I'm enjoying/ fascinated with the movies as well as the still photos.

[Although it took me awhile until I read the Bio at the site and realized this museum is not a French summer home of the architect Albert Kahn. Hey, I'm from Detroit. Of course I'd think that.]
posted by NorthernLite at 9:32 AM on January 25

Are these actual color photos, or merely colorized?
posted by monospace at 9:42 AM on January 25

Apparently actual color photos, Autochrome, not colorized.
posted by jph at 9:49 AM on January 25

Thank you for the beautiful photo links. I live in Paris, and I love looking at pictures of the city in the past because so many areas are still vividly as they were years ago.

For anyone reading this who will be visiting Paris, I highly recommend a visit to the Albert Kahn. The museum and its gardens have a fascinating history, and during the summer you can see beautiful flowers, fruits, and an extensive Japanese garden. On the far west of the city just outside of the Paris border, it is a bit away from the usual tourist sights, but it is well worth the easy metro trip.
posted by whatzit at 10:44 AM on January 25