Armchair Traveller - Exploring Art From Home: My Top 10 Favourite Museums
- Lynn Abbey
- Aug 10, 2024
- 3 min read
This article was previously written for The Trinity Times newsletter April 2021
When we travel, our family usually checks out art museums wherever we are. It’s great to see the world through the eyes of each country’s art.While we are still a little bit stuck in our armchairs, I’m sharing a countdown of my top ten so far along with web addresses so you can visit virtually!
This week: the back five and next week my top picks!
10 Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
This is a huge museum on the west side of Central Park in New York City. It is home to works from great artists through the ages, both American and international. My favourite works to see here are by Edgar Degas (1834-1917, France). His paintings and sculptures of ballet dancers are charming, especially for anyone who has had a little ballerina! Another impressive painting Otis of Washington crossing the Delaware. The main reason this is a last place for me is the sheer size of the museum for exploring on a short and exhausting visit to NYC! Too much for me! (Www.metmuseum.org).
9) The Louvre, Paris
When in Paris, one must visit The Louvre! Home to historical masterpieces, again representing the world, but with a focus on French artists. It is here that I saw the Venus de Milo, that famous armless marble statue. Another favourite at the Louvre is the Mona Lisa. Crowds flock to the room where she is on display, waiting for a moment to see the mystery in her smile! To “ visit” from your armchair, www.louvre.fr
8) The Tate Gallery, London
I’m very fond of the sculptures of British artist Henry Moore (1898-1986, UK), and much of the art over his career is on display at the Tate. It’s very interesting to see his development as an artist over the years, and to see his most modern sculptures, both inside the museum, and outdoors. You can check out the works and exhibitions at www.Tate.org.uk7
7) National Gallery of Canada, Hull
Our own National Gallery (www.gallery.ca) is housed in a beautiful building at Sussex Drive and St Patrick Street in Ottawa, not far from our Parliament buildings. Designed by Canadian superstar architect, the modern glass facade reflects the beauty of our capital’s old architecture and geography. Inside, all famous Canadian artists have their place alongside some impressive international collections. I especially loved the impressive works by Norval Morriseau (1932-2007), an indigenous artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation, known as the “ Picasso of the North”. This museum is a jewel in our National capital and well worth a visit! We can even get there with current Step 3 restrictions in place! (Www.gallery.ca)
6) Museé D’Orsay, Paris
This museum in Paris is a must-see for anyone who loves the Impressionists! (https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en) Located in a stunning marble-walled railway station alongside the Seine, beautifully renovated to display mostly French artists’ works ranging from 1848-1914. It is here we can see the works of Cézanne, Pissarro, Van Gogh and other impressionists. I stood for long minutes in fron to works by Claude Monet, lost in the blurs, lines, and dots that come together as beautiful “Waterlillies”. An afternoon at this museum will have you seeking a sidewalk café to round out a great Parisian experience!
Safe Travel
Lynn
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