My Favorite Museums Across the World

One time, when an ex-boyfriend was being crazy, he told me I was boring because I enjoy going to museums.  En contraire, I believe he was bored with his own life and just jealous that I find pleasure in so many different things.  So, here are a few of my favorites from around the world.

1)            Musee d’Orsay, Paris, France:  While the Louvre is probably the museum of all museums, the Musee d’Orsay is its own piece of magic, and one of my favorite places to go in Paris, other than strolling Avenue Montaigne or traipsing around Montmartre.  Besides, it takes at least three to four days to see the Louvre in its entirety.  The Musee d’Orsay is home of, amongst many other things, some of the world’s most famous impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.  I’ve always been a fan of bright colors and vivid strokes, and these paintings have always spoken to me—there’s something magical about capturing a single moment, and telling a whole story at the same time.  That’s one reason why I love this museum.  The other reason I love this museum is for the location and the architecture.  It’s right on the banks of the Seine, close to so many wonderful things, and it was built in a former train station.  I like trains.  I like anything that takes me from one adventure to another.  And there’s a lot of interesting history about the building, before it was a train station.  So, next time you’re in Paris, be sure to check this wonder out :)

2)            Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK: Okay, this museum is just magical in a mythical fantasyland kind of way.  This museum has EVERYTHING—from the most dazzling jewelry collection I’ve ever seen, to incredible fashion exhibits, breathtaking woodcarvings and ironwork, massive sculptures, books, and all sorts of incredible wonders from all over the world.  Nestled in South Kensington, take a nice stroll through Hyde Park while you make your way to this marvelous house of art and design.  Seriously, you won’t regret it!

3)            The Getty, Los Angeles, CA: The Getty is home to me.  I enjoy going just to sit on top of the hill and revel in the view.   There’s no admissions fee, so you only have to pay to park.  The tram ride up is always fun, and as you walk up the steps to the entrance, you kind of feel like you’re walking up the steps to a giant palace.  It’s a very serene atmosphere up on the hill, and you kind of forget that the 405 and the rest of the hustle and bustle of the City of Angels is right below you.  There’s one piece I fell in love with as a child, and if nothing else, I’ll make sure to go visit it every time I go up there—it’s a little pink princess day bed.

4)            21c Museum Hotel, Louisville, KY (and other locations):  When it comes to contemporary art, it’s often a hit or miss with me.  Sometimes when you go to see contemporary art, you find yourself surround by pieces that are weird in a grotesque way.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not quite my cup of tea.  21c Museum Hotel however, is weird in a funky fun way.  I just love this little darling! I also love the fact that it’s a hotel and a museum. I mean, how fun is that?!  There are red penguins that line the edge of the roof, which I believe is their symbol—and who doesn’t love penguins! 21c Museum Hotel is totally part of what gives Louisville its quirky charm, so don’t miss out!

5)            Philippe Patek Museum, Geneva, Switzerland:  Travel through time, through time.  I found this little museum fascinating, with so man interesting time pieces.  There were hand-held fans with tiny little clocks on the handles and I imagined women at fancy balls in their fancy gowns, waving their fans and slyly checking the time whenever a courter got boring.  It's truly a gem, and I definitely recommend checking it out if you ever find yourself in Geneva.

6)              Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville, Arkansas:  I didn't expect to find one of my favorite museums in Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Walmart, but Crystal Bridges is now up there as one of my favorites.  It's a museum of American Art, and it's got incredible art that represents the rich and diverse cultures of the Americas.  As with most things in Bentonville, the Waltons (aka the Walmart family) are behind this massive and majestic contribution to the community.  The architecture is large and modern, and there are several walking trails that are worth your time and exploration.  There's also a Frank Lloyd Wright house, and if you want to see inside the house, be sure to get there early to ensure admission, because they only release a certain amount of tickets each day.  The admission in general is free. I could have just walked around the grounds all day, but the art collections and exhibits were top notch as well. 

BIG LOVE & HUGS

Love,

Justine