museums | Daydream Tourist

Nov 3

The Imperial Treasury of Vienna

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art-focused travel blogs to post on a common theme. This month we are discussing Hidden Gems. Check out all the stories below. At the risk of being too literal, I’m bringing you a story of a “hidden gem” museum filled with gems!

Imperial Crown, Orb, and Sceptre of Austria

Imperial Crown, Orb, and Scepter of Austria created between 1602-1615. (Photo: Michiel2005, flickr)

You don’t have to be an art or history focused traveler to appreciate real jewels. There is something about gold and gemstones that just draws people in as we gaze at the glittering wealth, power, and beauty of these objects. The most impressive collection of priceless jewelry that I’ve ever seen belonged to a real royal dynasty. The House of Habsburg oversaw a massive and prosperous empire for roughly 800 years. Sometimes lost in a city of fantastic art and architecture, you must visit the spectacular family jewels housed in the Imperial Treasury of Vienna.

Sep 1

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Finding the “Awe” in Awesome Art

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art-focused travel blogs to post on a common theme. This month we are finding Art that Inspires from our travels. Check out all the stories below!

Contemplating a Pollock at (Photo: Pete Aylward, Flickr)

Art by itself is empty; it requires an audience to react, contemplate and interpret it for themselves. It is the skill of the artist that turns pigments on a board and chipped away marble into something that can elicit emotion or opinion from viewers. Every art connoisseur is different, so it is very common for us each to like different styles or pieces. I certainly have my favorites and not-so-favorites. This month the ArtSmart Roundtable is looking at “Inspiring Art” so I thought I’d take a look at not just art that is beautiful or emotional, but art that simply astounds me.

Aug 7

Baroque gallery, National Gallery of Art

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Masterpieces for Free: An Art Day in Washington DC

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art-focused travel blogs to post on a common theme. This month we are treating you to An Art Day in some of our favorite city. Check out all the stories below!

Pablo PIcasso's "Family of Saltimbanques" at the National Gallery of Art

Viewing “Family of Saltimbanques” in the Picasso Gallery at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

I am so lucky to live in Washington DC! We have interesting architecture, great music and performing arts organizations, very active international Embassies, beautiful public art and monuments, and an incredible collection of museums and galleries. Since the National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian Museums are administered by the US federal government, admission is always free. While this is a dream come true for DC’s students, it is great symbolic gesture for visitors to the city – the visual arts should be enjoyed freely and shared with all. With all the special exhibits to see, I practically get an “art day” every month and so I absolutely recommend an art trip to DC!

Jul 15

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Gilded Age Decorative Arts: Chicago’s Driehaus Museum

Magnificant marble front entrance to the Driehaus Museum

Nothing captures the artistic spirit of an era like a historic home. Through a coherent assemblage of architectural elements, furniture, and decor, you can get an absolute understanding of a period’s design principles. I recently visited the Driehaus Museum in Chicago which presents within its luxurious rooms the evolving American decorative arts of the Gilded Age. This mansion is also a startlingly beautiful oasis in the modern business center of Chicago and definitely worth a visit!

Jun 16

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The Airport Rijksmuseum: Best Layover Ever

Lay-overs can be excruciating. The anticipation of arriving at a new destination or finally getting home makes it hard to keep reading your “airplane book” on the ground. You can only browse the duty free stores for so long. And really, how many laps can you walk through the terminal before that starts to get old? For the art lover or curious traveler, salvation from airport lay-over boredom can be found at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport which contains a mini Rijksmuseum! It’s actually worth planning to have a lay-over in Amsterdam just to check it out!