Exploring Montmartre: The Paris Neighborhood That Inspired Van Gogh and Picasso

Art history is a look into culture and human expression, providing students with a strong understanding of how society has evolved. In the late 19th and early 20th century the Paris neighborhood of Montmartre became a vibrant artistic hub, where artists as iconic as Van Gogh and Picasso resided. Take a journey through history and find out what it is that makes this neighborhood so special!

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A Brief History of Montmartre

Before this charming neighborhood was buzzing with artists and poets, Montmartre was just a quiet village right outside Paris. When Napoleon the third was ruling France, he would often gift land to friends and followers, leading to the eviction of the poor citizens in those areas. When many chose Montmartre to live in, the artistic evolution of this area began. As more businesses opened in the area, creative minds were quickly attracted to the lively atmosphere here.

Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Picasso

Many of the artists we know and love today were a part of Montmartre’s history, with the neighborhood playing a big role in the development of their style. Van Gogh lived at 54 Rue Lepic with his brother Theo Van Gogh, an art dealer at the time. Vincent was able to take advantage of his brother’s connections to meet and learn from other artists in the area, helping him advance in his career. Through his art, we can see a shift from darker colors to a brighter palette, attributed to the influence of Impressionism and Japanese woodcuts he encountered. Some of his most known paintings during this time include Scène de rue à Montmartre, The Hill of Montmartre with Stone Quarry, and Boulevard de Clichy.

A short stroll away, the Bateau-Lavoir was a creative hub for Pablo Picasso. In 1904 he managed to get a studio in the building thanks to the cheap rents in the neighborhood at the time. By 1907, he had finished painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, a painting that played a big role in his rise to fame and is widely considered the first cubist painting. This distinct form of art is characterized by breaking down subjects of a painting into geometric shapes and forms, giving the impression that you are the observing the object from multiple angles at the same time. Other key paintings he completed during his time in Montmartre included Au Lapin Agile and Group of Catalans in Montmartre.

Must-See Artistic Landmarks

No trip to Montmartre is complete without visiting these iconic sites:

• The Sacré Coeur Basilica: Sitting atop the hill, this church was built as a gesture of reconciliation after the Franco-Prussian War and the “Commune” Revolution in 1871. Today, it offers beautiful views of the city and has become one of the most popular spots to visit in Paris.
• Place du Tertre: These lively square hosts dozens of artists creating art in real time, a beautiful living tribute to Montmartre’s past.
• Espace Dalí: Visit the largest private collection of Dalí’s art and immerse yourself in the masterpieces he created over the years.
• Musée de Montmartre: This museum houses wonderful art collections as well as peaceful gardens that make the perfect break from the bustling city. Get the chance to see the studios where renowned artists like Renoir found inspiration.

How to Engage Students with Art in Montmartre

With so much fascinating history around you, Montmartre serves the perfect location to bring learning to life. Here are a few ideas to make the experience as engaging as possible for students:

• Sketching exercises: Encourage students to slow down and take in the scenes around them by sketching their favorite landmarks or views, just as the masters of art once did. Many ACIS itineraries include a painting tour of the neighborhood!
• Photography: Take a camera with you wherever you go and be consistent with documenting your journey. Capture the sites of this picturesque neighborhood and even scrapbook the photos once you are back home to reflect on your experience!
• Scavenger Hunts: Send your students searching for hidden artistic symbols, historical sites, and famous studios located throughout the neighborhood for an interactive learning experience.

Come discover how ACIS incorporates Montmartre into enriching, art-focused itineraries for students. Explore the streets that once inspired some of the most influential artists to this day and see how their art came to life, sparking a lifelong appreciation for art and history.