Tag: Museum

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Getty Center

Getty Center

The Getty Center in Los Angeles is a campus of the Getty Museum and other properties included in the Getty Trust. Opened in December 1997, this $1.3 billion museum and grounds encompass a permanent art collection, sculpture gardens, and collections on loan.

This Los Angeles landmark, the Getty Center’s architecture highlights both nature and culture. Modern designs coexist with stunning gardens and dramatic views of LA. Sitting on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains you get views all the way to the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel Mountains, and streets in downtown LA.

The permanent art collection in the Getty Center includes pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts. There are also 19th and 20th century American, Asian, and European contemporary art. Throughout are impressive displays of modern sculpture.

World class exhibits change, featuring art from museums around the world and from Getty’s own collections.

Recently, we spent a day at the Getty Center. With four pavilions to explore, outdoor gardens to wander through, and lunch at The Restaurant it was a full day.

We boarded a computer-operated tram to ride from the street level parking to the top of the hill. Exiting the tram, the 1.2 million square feet of travertine tiles reflected the sun light in a soft glow. All 16,000 tons of this tile came from Bagni di Tivoli, Italy, just east of Rome. Impressive, tastefully accomplished, and a feeling of pure art…it was all of that.

This was the beginning of an amazing day filled with art, gardens, and beauty.

Natural light is utilized throughout the Getty Center as many exterior walls are made of glass. Not to let in too much light, a computer adjusts louvers and shades as the sun moves around. Special filters in the Pavilions prevent damage to the art.

As we made our way through all the Pavilions, there were favorite displays where we spent more time. Every gallery and every Pavilion included a feast for our eyes. When it was time for a short break, we stopped for a cup of coffee at one of the outdoor coffee stands. As we sat in the outdoor courtyard, all around us was architecture to appreciate and sculptures to enjoy. Coffee never tasted so good.

After a delicious lunch at The Restaurant, we wandered through the Central Garden, a treat in itself. It is more like an actual living work of art. Plants change with the seasons, an impressive lawn begs to be sat on, and flowers bloom in their brilliance. When we were there, late summer plants and flowers lined the walking paths and offered yet another feast for our eyes.

The Getty Center Garden is truly a place to relax and recharge. A walkway crosses a stream, the stream heads to a waterfall, and the pool at the bottom is surrounded by brilliant and fragrant plants.

More than 500 varieties of plant material are used in the landscaping at the Getty Center. We spent time wandering through it all and then made our way to the garden between the East and West Pavilions. This desert terrain garden, full of succulents, offers yet another panoramic view of LA.

Our day was complete as we headed back down the tram to the parking area. Sculptures and trees lined the railway system. Deer relaxed under the bushes. They even enjoyed the Getty Center and its beauty.

If You Go: The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Admission is free to this amazing art center.

For more travel ideas check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

We spent about three hours in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Very well done, this museum is designed for self-guided activities. There are plenty of knowledgeable volunteers and docents on hand to answer questions.

Nancy and Ronald Reagan

Here are a few highlights:

Throughout the 18 galleries are highlights of President Reagan’s life as America’s 40th president. Some of his life prior to politics we knew about. Other things and events we did not. We watched short films depicting his life as a radio personality in Iowa and ones explaining his connection to General Electric Theater.

His Oval Office is recreated as a full-sized reproduction of the Oval Office as it appeared during his presidency. Even though the basic shape and architecture have changed little since the 1930s, each president makes his own changes in interior design, new carpet, and artwork.

President Reagan’s Oval Office replica

In the Air Force One Pavilion, we walked through Air Force One, the “Flying White House” for President Reagan and six other US presidents from 1973 to 2001. We also walked through Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Included in the museum is an actual presidential Secret Service motorcade featuring President Reagan’s 1984 parade limousine.

It was interesting to see the history of Air Force One depicted in a wall mural. The mural featured aircraft from FDR’s Dixie Clipper to the current Boeing 747.

On the upper floor of the three floors is the Mezzanine Gallery, where we learned more about his face-to-face diplomacy with other world leaders. We also learned about the Secret Service and their role in protecting the president while he travels.

The section detailing the Iron Curtain and the fall of it are included in one gallery. The Iron Curtain took shape following WWII, as a profound division between communism and democracy, oppression and freedom. Pieces of the Berlin Wall can be seen here as well as events happening and leading up to the fall of the wall.

Berlin Wall
Berlin Wall sign

Nancy Reagan played an important part in President Reagan’s life and presidency. An entire section and galleries are devoted to her and what she did as First Lady. She was a stickler for details as she became very involved in planning all White House events, right down to the details. She was also the president’s closest confidante, staunchest defender, and took on special causes of her own. She started the campaign of “Just Say No” to combat drug use.

This is a place to visit to learn more about President Reagan and our country at the time of his presidency.

If You Go: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is located at 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, California. Advance tickets are required as of this post, with timed entries. Masks are required throughout.

Check out more places to visit at https://travelsandescapes.net/

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So Many Museums

Museums in Paris

Paris is full of museums. That’s a given.

Think about The Louvre, the Centre Pompidou, Musee d’Orsay, Petit Palais, Musee Picasso Paris, Musee de l’Orangerie, Musee Rodin…I could go on and on.

This time, we visited a smaller museum. The Museum of Montmartre, located in the oldest house on the hill of Montmartre, takes you a step back in time. Fourteen personalities lived here at one time. This bohemian quarter was home to Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Duffy, and more.

Now, it houses the permanent collection of paintings, posters, and drawings signed by Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, Kupka, Valadon, and Utrillo. These artworks recount the history of Montmartre, including the infamous cabarets of the Lapin Agile and the Moulin Rouge.

One whole room is dedicated to the French Cancan. Another one features rare zinc plates of scenes from shadow theatre like Le Chat Noir, the first modern cabaret opened in 1881.

After viewing three floors of paintings and posters, take a walk in the gardens. Dedicated to Auguste Renoir, these gardens offer breathtaking views of the vineyard below and the entire northern cityscape of Paris.

Renoir lived on site from 1875 to 1877. During this time, he painted his famous le Bal du Moulin de la Galette, La Balancoire, and Jardin de la rue Cortot.

This is truly a relaxing spot just steps from the busy streets.

If You Go: The museum and gardens are open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. It is located at 12 rue Cortot in Paris. Check the Metro map to get fairly close and walk up the hill.

It’s definitely worth the effort to get there.

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Au Lapin Agile

Au Lapin Agile

Walking toward a museum in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, we noticed what we thought was a small restaurant. It was right across the street from Clos Montmartre, the vineyard nestled on the hills below the museum.

With the name Au Lapin Agile on the sign, we laughed at the translation. The agile rabbit…cute name.

Continuing on to the Museum of Montmartre, we noticed a painting by Andre Gill, named Au Lapin Agile. Same painting as the restaurant. Okay, time to learn more about this rabbit.

What we thought was a small restaurant is actually Paris’ oldest bar-cabaret and a Montmartre landmark. It’s been here since 1860. When it opened, its name was Au Rendez Vous des Voleurs, or at the rendez-vous of thieves. Apparently, Montmartre was not the best neighborhood at that time. Thieves would have been present.

Then, 20 years later, the name changed to the Cabaret des Assassins. Stories exist as to why the name changed. One says the owner’s son was murdered by a violent gang.

Another name change happened in 1875, as the artist Andre Gill painted a sign featuring a rabbit with a top hat jumping out of a large pan holding a bottle of wine. Supposedly, the painting was commissioned on the request of Madame Sals, the lady and cook of the house. Guess what she was known for?

Her rabbit stews.

The sign was displayed and the residents starting calling the cabaret Gills Rabbit or Le Lapin a Gill in French. This name changed into The Nimble Rabbit. He is, after all, gracefully jumping out of the pan holding the bottle of wine. No spilling or dropping the wine.

And, not landing in a pan of stew. Quite the play on words and on the painting.

Artists came here to discuss their works, debate the meaning of art, soak up the latest vibes, and gain inspiration for their own craft. Picasso, Modigliani, Van Gogh, Utrillo, and others frequented the cabaret.

Famous paintings lined the walls at one time. Some have been moved to art museums around the world. Still others remain.

As for the cabaret, don’t expect a residential version of Moulin Rouge. It’s not that type of cabaret. No tourist entertainment, no can-cans, no scantily clad beautiful women in feathers and diamonds, and no expensive, moderate champagne. This is a small, village house. Not a lot of room inside.

If you like folk music, poetry, and an authentic representation of vintage Montmartre life, this would be the place for you. It’s low key, genuine, full of history, and definitely retro. It’s truly an artistic cabaret.

If You Go: Au Lapin Agile is located at 22 rue des Saules, Paris. Hours are 9 PM to 1 AM, every day except Monday. They do serve Ruinart Champagne.

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When Should I Visit the Louvre?

Did you know the Musee du Louvre is one of the biggest art museums in the world? It has more than 35,000 pieces of art on display every day. And, that’s only 10% of the entire collection.

Over 10.2 million visitors come here every year.

Built originally as a fortress in the 12th century, the Louvre was turned into a royal residence. Then, it became a permanent art museum after the French Revolution.

It’s busy. I mean really busy. There are some days and times where you don’t even feel like you can see anything Tour groups, school groups, tourists with selfie sticks, people in a hurry…it can be crazy.

If you would like a little less busy, here are a couple of tips.

Wednesdays and Fridays the Louvre is open until 9:45 pm. Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time for these days. They are not available at the door. Or, purchase the Paris Museum Pass. This is a good deal as it gets you into many museums in the city. Or, go several times to the Louvre.

Start your visit about 6:30 pm. The tour and school groups have gone. Tourists are off to dinner. It’s quieter and more serene.

Stay away from Mondays. Some other museums are closed on Mondays, so crowds are larger here.

Whenever you go…enjoy.

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Look at Those Planes

Sure. Let’s visit the Palm Springs Air Museum. We’ve been to other air museums and enjoy seeing the planes and reading about their history.

This one is different.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft and from Korea and Vietnam. Flyable, being the key word. Also, unlike many other museums, the air-conditioned hangars have no ropes to keep people from interacting with the exhibits and the more than 60 planes.

We wandered in and out of hangers, asked questions of many volunteers who actually flew some of the planes, and toured the interior of a flyable B-17. This one has been used in several Hollywood films. Impressive.

Hangers are organized by theme. The Pacific (Navy) Hangar includes exhibits and aircraft used by the Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Highlights include the Pearl Harbor diorama narrated by NBC journalist and author Tom Brokaw, the Grumman “cats”; the Avenger, Corsair, Dauntless and Invader.

The European (Army) Hangar features exhibits and aircraft used by the Army in the European Theater during World War II, plus a T-33 training jet used in Korea and Vietnam.  Some planes in this hangar include the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, P-47 Thunderbolt, the renovated flying Red Tail P-51 Mustang, the P-63 King Cobra, the Spitfire and the C-47. There is also a Tuskegee Airmen mural and a wall showing the European battles of WWII.

The smallest hangar is where we found the B-17 Flying Fortress.

Since opening in 1996, they have maintained their status as a museum that flies its aircraft. Definitely worth a visit to be able to see and get near planes that shaped our history. It was even more impressive to hear the engines and see the planes as they readied for takeoff.

They are open every day from 10 to 5, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, with free parking. Check their website for more info, https://palmspringsairmuseum.org. Then, plan a trip. You’ll be glad you did.

If You Go: The Palm Springs Air Museum is located at 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA.

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La Jolla’s Map and Atlas Museum…A Rare Find

La Jolla brings to mind sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, great shopping, wave skimming armadas of pelicans, and endless views of the Pacific Ocean. I don’t necessarily think of museums or old maps when I head to La Jolla.

But, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, how about the Map and Atlas Museum? Not your ordinary museum, this one offers an appreciation and awareness for the geography, history, politics, and beauty of antique collectible maps and atlases.

I was impressed by the maps detailing the world…from centuries ago. Many of the old drawings were so close to what is reality today. This is a rare find. And, not one you’d probably expect in La Jolla.

Next time you’re here…stop in.