Tag: Museums

Exploring the Charms of Copenhagen: A Captivating Danish Escape

Be welcomed to Copenhagen, a city where history and modernity seamlessly blend, offering a truly enchanting experience for travelers seeking a unique adventure, thanks to this travel blog post from Travel + Leisure. With its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, this Danish capital is a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Scandinavian charm. In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating landmarks, engaging activities, and breathtaking natural wonders that await you in Copenhagen.

Traveling abroad to Copenhagen offers numerous benefits beyond the captivating landmarks and cultural experiences. It provides a chance to broaden your horizons, immerse yourself in a different culture, and gain a deeper understanding of Danish history and traditions. Exploring a foreign city fosters personal growth, enhances intercultural awareness, and promotes a sense of adventure and discovery. By engaging with the locals, trying new cuisines, and navigating unfamiliar streets, you open yourself up to new perspectives and create memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Landmarks to Visit:

Nyhavn: Begin your journey in the iconic Nyhavn district, famous for its colorful 17th-century waterfront houses. Take a leisurely stroll along the charming canal, lined with cozy cafes and restaurants, offering delectable Danish cuisine and picturesque views.

Rosenborg Castle: Step back in time as you explore the opulent Rosenborg Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece nestled in the heart of Copenhagen. Admire the exquisite royal treasures, stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, and soak in the regal ambiance that surrounds this historic landmark.

Amalienborg Palace: Marvel at the elegance of Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. Witness the changing of the guards, explore the royal museums, and discover the rich history that has shaped the nation.

Rundetårn: Ascend the iconic Rundetårn (Round Tower) for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This architectural marvel offers a unique perspective of Copenhagen’s skyline, making it a favorite spot among both locals and visitors alike.

Activities to Engage In:

Tivoli Gardens: Experience the magical world of Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park that dates back to 1843. Enjoy thrilling rides, enchanting gardens, and live performances, all while immersing yourself in a whimsical atmosphere that has inspired fairy tales.

Copenhagen Zoo: Embark on a wildlife adventure at Copenhagen Zoo, home to a diverse range of animals from around the globe. Delight in encounters with majestic creatures, learn about conservation efforts, and engage in educational experiences that cater to animal enthusiasts of all ages.

National Museum of Denmark: Immerse yourself in Danish history and culture at the National Museum of Denmark. From prehistoric artifacts to Viking treasures and modern art exhibitions, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the nation’s past.

Nature to Explore:

Kongens Have: Discover tranquility amidst the bustling city by visiting Kongens Have, the oldest and most visited park in Copenhagen. Stroll through lush greenery, admire the blooming flowers, and relax by the serene lakeside.

CopenHill: Experience the innovative blend of nature and sustainability at CopenHill, a power plant turned recreational area. Engage in thrilling activities such as skiing and hiking on the rooftop slopes while reveling in breathtaking views of the city.

Copenhagen is a captivating destination that effortlessly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the iconic Nyhavn to ascending the Rundetårn for sweeping vistas, every corner of this city offers something truly unique. Engage in exhilarating activities at Tivoli Gardens, immerse yourself in history at Rosenborg Castle and the National Museum of Denmark, and find tranquility in the lush green spaces of Kongens Have. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or simply in search of a picturesque escape, Copenhagen is sure to captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories of Danish hospitality and charm.

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Museum Travel Destinations Worth Exploring

It’s high time to stop thinking of museum travel as only afield trip destination and to start seeing them as a must-visit stop on your next out-of-town vacation, date, or weekend get-a-way with this list of the top American cities with museums, as per a curated list from The Travel.

Museums are a prime location for sightseeing no matter if you’re interested in the sciences, arts, history, or general oddities. Additionally, each city on this list is a hub of great culture, food, and the general “must-sees” found on any travelor’s itinerary, but it’s the museums and the exhibits and collections within that will be the unforgettable sight you’ll be bragging about experiencing.

New York City

It’s an obvious choice, but New York is a city packed to the brim with all things distracting and life-changing, but particularly it’s the museums that the Big Apple offers you shouldn’t pass up. The largest in the city are those that you’ve heard of before or have seen in film; they’re the American Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Guggenheim Museum, and the 9/11 Memorial.Though, if you’re more interested in an off-the-beaten-path stop, try out the Tenement Museum or the New York or the New York Transit Museum.

Washington D.C.

The nation’s capital has plenty of museums for lovers of history and all else as the city is brimming with so many to visit that many often plan entire trips just to stop and see as many exhibits as possible. Some notable locations of course are the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of National History, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. If you’re still craving can’t miss content, then book a your at the White House to top off your educational D.C. trip.

Chicago

The Windy City might be in the middle of the country, but it’s far from the middle of nowhere, and it houses some truly iconic museums. If you’re traveling with a family in particular, then be sure to try out the Field Museum and Sue, its famous exhibit of the largest T-Rex  ever discovered. Other stops you should check out are the Chicago History Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and especially the Museum of Contemporary Art to round out all the best in learning and culture that Chicago has to offer.

Los Angeles

Heading to the west coast, Los Angeles has a lot to offer in the way of significant museums, and it’s likely that you’ve seen them on the silver screen before. Every traveler in L.A. swears by the Griffith Observatory, and they’re not wrong; it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight, especially if you’re able to catch one of their special events sprinkled throughout the year. While in town, be sure to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, and the California Science Center for all the history, art, and science that Hollywood has to offer.

Seattle

The Pacific Northwest rounds out this cross-country collection of can’t-miss museum stops, and Seattle is just the progressive, hip city to do so. The Museum of Pop Culture should be at the top of your itinerary for those looking to have their knowledge of what’s been popular across the decades rewarded. Let your inner-nerd flourish with exhibits dedicated to Minecraft, Prince, Pearl Jam, and many more. Moving into the more traditional types of museums you can find in this interesting city, be sure to stop into the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, the Museum of History and Industry, and the Seattle Pinball Museum where your ticket of admission is also an excuse to play any game in sight!

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Louisiana Museums Worth a Visit

It’s accepted and widely understood that Louisiana is best-known for music and food, but the state’s roster of attractions shine well outside the walls of its notorious restaurants and music lounges as the best museums in Louisiana are, in a multitude of ways, some of the most appreciated and unique collections of art, history, and culture across the globe. As collected in an article by Timeout, here are a half-dozen fascinating museum opportunities within striking distance of the Great Southern Boot.

Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

Carnival Celebrations of Mardi Gras are found all across the Gulf Coast, not just in New Orleans. This museum, located in Southwest Louisiana’s Lake Charles, shares the history of the entire celebrated holiday. With rooms packed with memorabilia, from floats to throws and feather-covered costumes, there’s a ton to see, and much of it is hands-on. It’s a fun way to gain a deeper understanding of Mardi Gras, especially if your visit sadly doesn’t coincide with seeing an actual parade.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

With all the gifts New Orleans has given to the world, cocktails and modern pharmacies are atop the list, and their intertwined histories are explored in this New Orleans-based Louisiana museum. The first licensed pharmacist in the United States was Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., whose pharmacy was located in this French Quarter shop, now packed with exhibits focusing on the history of pharmaceuticals (and, yes, cocktails).

Marlene Yu Museum

Leave it to the daughter of famed New York-based, Taiwan-born abstract expressionist painter Marlene Yu to spearhead a project that converted Shreveport’s old YMCA into the proper space to display her mother’s world-renowned, 33-feet-long paintings. Along with Yu’s extraordinary nature-inspired work, the Louisiana museum displays the work of other contemporary artists, from both the burgeoning regional scene and around the world, as well as dance and live performance art.

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

This 165-year old statehouse has been re-fashioned into a museum detailing the often sordid history of the Louisiana Political system. The castle-like exterior of the museum is a draw unto itself, with its stunning architectural details, including a cast-iron spiral staircase and a breathtaking stained-glass rotunda. Alongside its permanent state history exhibits, it also features rotating exhibitions focusing on Louisiana art and photography.

Tabasco Factory and Jungle Gardens

See where our cuisine gets its kick with this Avery-Island-based former visitor center and enjoy a top-tier food and history experience at this Louisiana museum. The small museum is packed with artifacts and interactive exhibits detailing the history of the salt dome upon which the McIlhenny family built their Tabasco fortune, from prehistory to the present day.

Abita Mystery House

This Louisiana museum Located in Abita Springs, this bizarre roadside attraction is more outsider art hoard and folk collection emporium than a proper museum, but finding things to gawk at on the overstuffed shelves and walls is where the fun is at. Folk art, crypto-taxidermy, thousands of bottle caps, hand-built moving dioramas, vintage arcade games are only few of the many objects found here.

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Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

You don’t have to travel to experience culture and learn about history! In these trying times, it’s nice to have a way to continue to experience things in the outside world. Luckily, there is a way to experience culture and education when you’re confined inside! Google Arts and Culture have teamed up with over 2500 museums and galleries across the world to create virtual tours and online exhibits.

Included in this collection are museums like the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science.

British Museum, London-Virtual Tours

“This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.”

Guggenheim Museum, New York

“Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras”

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

“This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.”

Musée d’Orsay, Paris-Virtual Tours

“You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.”

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

“One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.”

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

“As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer – even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.”

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam-Virtual Tours

“Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.”

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

“This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de’Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de’Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.”

MASP, São Paulo

“The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil’s first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.”

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

“Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.”

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Five Unusual Things to do in New Orleans

In Louisiana, New Orleans is the place to go to experience a city that truly captures the essence of Louisiana’s culture and history. You’ll find jazz music at the corner of every street, epic gumbo festivals, tons of museums, haunted cemeteries, and of course, Mardi Gras.

But not everyone wants to check out the usual spots, or maybe they aren’t a fan of the crowds that usually populate local favorites. Thanks to Louisiana Travel, here is a list of unusual things to do in New Orleans.

Located in one of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods, you’ll find an arrangement of artist shacks and tiny homes, all built with recycled materials. If you go inside one of these shacks, you’ll find an assortment of handmade musical instruments built into the building themselves.

Their website states “The Music Box Village is a place where play, imagination, experimentation, collaboration, community and hard work come together as a whimsical village of artist-made interactive “musical houses.” Each installation is inspired by the unique musical and architectural culture of our home city of New Orleans, and represents a collaborative process between artists based here and abroad. Our one-of-a-kind art site hosts intensive artist residencies, performances, panels, and welcomes visitors for exploration and play.”

Established in 1772, this shop is named for Pierre Lafitte, a blacksmith and a brother of Jean Lafitte, a pirate, and hero of the Battle of New Orleans. The brothers used their shop to plan their many exploits. In the 1940s, the shop became a popular cafe with local artists.

Their website claims Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop to be “a gumbo of truth and French, Spanish, African, Cajun and American embellishments.”

So make sure to stop by and soak up some history when you’re in the French Quarter.

Have you ever been curious about Voodoo and its roots? If so, make sure to stop by this museum!

At the Historic Voodoo Museum, you will learn about the real history of Voodoo and experience Voodoo related artifacts and objects. The museum was founded in 1972 as a designated place for all things Voodoo to live. They claim they took “all the mysteries, the secrets, the history, and the folklores of rituals, zombies, of gris-gris, of Voodoo Queens and all that jazz, and put it all in one place at the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter.”

This warehouse-converted-art gallery features 35,000 feet of gallery space and is home to the up-and-coming artist Brandan “Bmike” Odums. Contrary to tradtional canvases, Odums paints powerful and hopeful murals on exterior and interior walls.

“Studio Be features “Ephemeral Eternal,” his first solo exhibition that includes over a dozen original murals, several room-sized installations, and reconstructed murals salvaged from #ProjectBe before the Florida Housing Development’s demolition in 2014. The studio is open to the public 4 days a week, and welcomes hundreds of visitors from near and far weekly.”

Located in the historic Tremé neighborhood, this museum is the only one of its kind in the world. Dedicated to the contributions of the city’s African Americans to New Orleans culture, the museum has become a collection of priceless artifacts from Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals, and has archived images of more than 500 related cultural events.

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Museums With Intriguing Architecture

Museums are known for the treasures they hold within, but what about the outside? The saying is, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but what if the outside is what draws you in. However, designing an architectural pleasing building can be quite difficult, especially when it is a museum. There needs to be space to preserve artwork, space for the public, space for staff members, and of course places to store archives. National Geographic has put together a slideshow of Modern Marvels: Museums with Spectacular Architecture.

Guggenheim Museum, Spain

The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum located in Spain, and known for its intriguing architecture, consists of three different levels. All containing contemporary and modern art. Curtain walls that are made up of glass connects the inside space to the outside space. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry, the building is mostly made up of curves that define the way it is shaped.  The building was built using titanium and the way it is curved, it catches the light in a unique way. Making it not only a place that houses art, but art itself.

Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan

Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect, designed the Heydar Aliyev Center. The building itself holds an auditorium, a museum, nine floors of exhibition halls, and is an exquisite example of beautiful architecture. This museum was created to help preserve the work and life of the nation’s former president Heydar Aliyev. It was also created to help preserve Azerbaijan’s history. The three floor, interactive museum gives visitors an amazing view into its’ heritage.

Museo De La Memoria De Andalucía, Spain

The museum offers its visitors the opportunity to understand the history of Spain, going as far as prehistoric times. This museum, designed by Alberto Campo Baeza, has a circular courtyard that the museum circles. Made up of three floors, a ramp connects all of them together. Beautiful and sleek, the perfect building to display Spain’s history.

Guggenheim Museum, U.S.

Solomon R, Guggenheim Museum located in New York was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was opened in 1959. Sadly, he died six months before the grand opening. This museum is actually the oldest one that was placed on the list. This building was one of the first museums to be built in an artistic style. Becoming the spearhead for all of the modern day museums to follow. Even though it has had to close a few times for repairs, this museums us still on of the best architectural museums out there.

Heart Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, Denmark

This Demark museum was actually designed by an American, Steven Holl. Using music and visual art, this museum strives to present contemporary art. The museum opened its’ doors in 2009 and houses: a restaurant, an auditorium, exhibition galleries, and even a media library. The roof actually looks like shirt sleeves if you are viewing it from above. What an interesting display of architecture for visitors to experience.

Click here to view all of the amazing museums that are just as breathtaking on the outside as they are on the inside.

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