A
When people mention Paris, they often talk of it as a "museum city". What they mean by that is that it hardly changes. But there are several brand new or totally improved museums opening - and all of them look like they're worth a visit. The biggest of the bunch is the Bourse de Commerce: a former exchange building near the Center Pompidou that's been turned into a vast contemporary art space. It will host several temporary exhibitions each year, featuring works from the collection of billionaire Francois Pinault.
Then there's the Hotel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde. This former navy headquarters dates back more than 250 years. In its earliest days, the site served as a storage place for the king's furniture. It will be open to the public for the first time this week.
The Maison de Serge Gainsbourg will welcome the public for the first time this autumn. The main attraction will be the large living area, with its piano and Gainsbourg’s huge collection of sculptures.
The other major museum coming to the city is the Musée Carnavalet. Built in 1548 and transformed by the famous architect Mansart in 1660, this maison (豪宅) became a museum in 1866. It offers an overview of the city's history through paintings, artefacts and 30 "period rooms" moved from elsewhere in the capital. Its five-year, 58 million repairs have been entirely financed by the Paris mayor's office. Now that's the kind of "museum city" we can get behind.
21. What can you do at the Bourse de Commerce?
A. Admire the king's furniture. B. Study Mansart's design style.
C. Visit Gainsbourg's living area. D. Enjoy a billionaire's collection.
22. Where can you learn about the rich history of Paris?
A. The Musée Carnavalet. B. The Hotel de la Marine.
C. The Bourse de Commerce. D. The Maison de Serge Gainsbourg.
23. What do the listed museums have in common?
A. They will reopen this year. B. They are favored by architects.
C. They are the biggest in Paris. D. They will be tourist attractions.
