I visited the Musee des Arts Forains [Fairground Art Museum] in
Paris last weekend.  I've not seen it mentioned on the MMD, so
I thought I'd report on it.  It's located in Bercy, a largely
residential section of Paris, though there are a number of cafes
nearby.  It's only a few blocks from the Metro.

The museum was founded by Jean-Paul Favand, a successful antiques
dealer and set designer, in a series of old wine warehouses
encompassing almost a full city block.  It has its own tree-lined
street and even some railroad track once used to ship the wines.

The various exhibits are set up and lighted like, well, stage sets!
They include fairground sculpture, games, carousels and oddities.
A guided tour (16 euros) is the only type of visit possible, but
the guides are not the usual bored, sing-song under-informed types
you often see at this sort of attraction.  The tour is almost
a performance in itself with a kind of story line and energetic
propulsion.

Musically, there were two organs played for us: a deco Mortier dance
organ in an orchestrion-style case with display saxophone.  This was
coupled with tubular bells along the opposite wall which produced an
ethereal sound.  Everyone was encouraged to waltz on the large dance
floor.  There was also a nice book-operated Hooghuys fairground organ
which was in good tune.

The several carousels had, unfortunately, empty organ cases and
were accompanied by canned (but appropriate) music.  One neat antique
carousel was actually powered by the riders via a circle of brass
high-wheel bicycles.  I was surprised that we were allowed to operate
this rarity, and even more surprised at how fast all we pedalers made
it go!

There were a "animatronic"-type automatons which were not very
impressive, but I was highly impressed with the huge scale and vision
of Monsieur Favand.  I recommend it.

  http://arts-forains.com/index_anglais.php 

Phil Jamison
West Chester, Pennsylvania

 [ Some more information is at
 [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_des_Arts_Forains  -- Robbie