Review: Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain

What's the story behind this gallery?Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel in 1994, Fondation Cartier is an ultra-modern museum and cultural center for contemporary art, and the gardens—here, called Theatrum Botanicum—are treated as an art installation of their own. Before the opening of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, this was the top destination for contemporary art in Paris. Given the less-than-central location, the average visitor to Paris may overlook it; the initiated in contemporary art, however, won’t come to Paris without stopping here.

So... contemporary art. What does the collection actually consist of?The museum features installations and site-specific works in the visual arts, architecture, design and music. Some of the figureheads of contemporary art and design have been given pride of place over the years, from Patti Smith and David Lynch to Agnès Varda and Bruce Nauman.

Any good rotating exhibits we should try to check out, too?The exhibits are all temporary, and they last for several months. The visitor journey and lighting changes according to the installation or artist commission, but it's always perfectly in sync with the works.

So who do you think would get the most out of a visit to the Fondation Cartier?This is a spot for serious contemporary culture vultures who could spend hours pondering a single installation. The Fondation offers workshops and creative programming for kids but, for the most part, the crowd skews older.

Sounds great. How easy is it to get around?The entire museum is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility, and there's good elevator access.

Any guided tours worth trying?Free guided tours take place at 6 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday). There are also paid themed tours (architecture, youth, and other topics).

Is the gift shop worth stopping in for a souvenir or gift?There's a nice selection of books, coloring books, and investment pieces like prints and lithographs.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?Plan to go elsewhere.

If we're short on time during our visit, is the Fondation still worth a stop in?It can be done, but it depends on how interested you are in whatever's on view.