Avenue Vélasquez

Avenue Vélasquez. A secluded oasis amidst the bustling city. This elegant avenue, tucked away within the prestigious 8th arrondissement, whispers tales of art, history, and intriguing personalities. Avenue Vélasquez isn’t just a street; it’s a portal to another era. The avenue gracefully stretches from Boulevard Malesherbes, culminating at the serene Parc Monceau. Its namesake, the celebrated Spanish painter Diego Velázquez, lends an air of artistic grandeur to this charming Parisian corner. Avenue Vélasquez, along with neighboring streets like Rue Rembrandt, Avenue Ruysdael, Rue Murillo, and Avenue Van-Dyck, forms a tribute to the masters of 17th-century painting. This avenue, part of Parc Monceau, opened in 1861 and received its current name in 1869. A notable event unfolded on Avenue Vélasquez in October 1896. During the visit of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra to Paris, their carriage traversed through Parc Monceau, passing by Avenue Vélasquez. The avenue was described as “packed with people,” eager to catch a glimpse of the imperial couple. Some even climbed the park gates for a better view. The avenue boasts remarkable buildings that have housed influential figures. Number 2 Avenue Vélasquez, once home to the Lebaudy family, later became the residence of Mme Back de Surany, a Viennese socialite known for her musical salons. Number 4 housed Jules Goüin, president of the Société de Construction des Batignolles and regent of the Banque de France. His widow, Marie-Thérèse Singer, granddaughter of the renowned opera singer Luigi Lablache, met a tragic end, murdered on a train. Number 5 was the residence of Alfred Chauchard, founder of the Grands Magasins du Louvre, an avid art collector whose collection now graces the Louvre Museum. Number 7 Avenue Vélasquez stands as a testament to Henri Cernuschi, a financier, and art enthusiast. The mansion, built for him between 1873 and 1874 by architect William Bouwens van der Boijen, housed his vast collection of East Asian art. Today, this very building serves as the Musée Cernuschi, a treasure trove of Asian art. Avenue Vélasquez is more than just a street; it’s a living canvas, painted with the hues of history, art, and Parisian charm. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine, inviting you to explore its hidden stories and embrace its timeless allure.