Fondation Louis Vuitton

Categories: Architecture · Art · Food · France · Paris · TravelTags: · · · · ·

One of the reasons I spent a few days in Paris is to visit the recently opened Fondation Louis Vuitton. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this private cultural initiative’s mandate is to promote the contemporary arts. For those seeking to find leather products from this fashion house on display – you will be disappointed. Currently on exhibit until the end of August 2016 is a selection of works by famous contemporary Chinese artists from the Fondation’s collection. The restaurant located on the ground floor is called Le Frank and it serves wonderful French-inspired cuisine, with hints of dishes from other countries whose works are currently on exhibit….

Bonjour Paris

Categories: Architecture · Art · France · Paris · Travel

Only an hour and a half away by Thalys high speed train from Brussels – how could I resist swinging by Paris for a few days? It’s been three years since I was last here and there’s a new gallery I have been wanting to see (at the same time, visit again two of my favourites) and of course, the food! One of my favourites is the Musee Picasso. It’s been more than ten years since I was last here. The other Museum I will never forget was the Musee Rodin. I was extremely contented just being able to walk through the gardens and did not…

Flemish Art, Food, Etc.

Categories: Accommodations · Art · Belgium · Bruges · Food · TravelTags: · · · · ·

Two museums in Bruges that house some of the world’s finest collection of Medieval and Flemish art are the Groeningemuseum and the Sint-Janshospital. Both museums contain an impressive collection of Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.     For food lovers, there are quite a number of excellent restaurants in Bruges. Many serving Flemish cuisine. There are also tea rooms that dot the city, serving tea, coffee, pastries, and of course, Belgian waffles.       I stayed at the Grand Hotel Casselberg Brugge, consisting of a 19th century building and a new wing, with rooms that face the canal. The hotel…

Art and Soul

Categories: Architecture · Art · Dublin · Europe · Ireland · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is housed in what was formerly the Kilmainham Hospital. Built in the 1680s as one of Ireland’s Classical-style buildings modelled after Les Invalides in Paris, it is considered the finest 17th century building in the country. The hospital was handed to the Free State in 1922 and served as headquarters for Garda from 1930 to 1950. It was beautifully renovated in 1991 and reopened as IMMA. Christ Church Cathedral as it stands, is a 19th century restoration of what was originally a wooden church. Dublin’s first church was founded here in 1028 by…

Musei Vaticani

Categories: Architecture · Art · Italy · Rome · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

The astounding Sistine Chapel, the apartments frescoed by Fra Angelico, Raphael, and Pinturicchio, some ten museums that include collections of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities, the renaissance and modern art, and the lush gardens — all make up the magnificent Musei Vaticani. Be prepared to be awestruck!  It will take one at least two hours to see and appreciate many of the works. It is advisable to purchase your ticket online in advance to avoid the queues and it is usually less crowded by mid-afternoon.  

Vatican

Categories: Architecture · Art · Europe · Italy · Rome · TravelTags: · · · · ·

The Vatican is the world’s smallest city-state covering just 120 acres and is home to the Pope, the world’s greatest museum, the ornate St. Peter’s Basilica, and the most astounding work of art ever created — Michelangelo‘s Sistine Chapel ceiling (where photography is now strictly prohibited). The Vatican is located in an area of Rome called Trastevere, which literally means “across the Tiber”. Castel Sant Angelo was the papal castle for 1,000 years and has a viaduct from the Vatican which allowed popes a safe passageway in times of crisis. St. Peter’s Basilica is the capital of Christendom and a must-see with its cavernous…

Ciao Roma

Categories: Architecture · Art · Italy · Rome · TravelTags: · · · · ·

The elegant Piazza del Popolo in Rome started as a trapezoidal piazza in 1538 and contains a 3,200 year old obelisk from Heliopolis. Renaissance and Baroque art, architecture and sculpture can be found in the spectacular Santa Maria del Popolo church. Masters from the Early Renaissance (Pinturicchio, Bramante), High Renaissance (Raphael) and Baroque (Caravaggio, Bernini) exercised their genius in all disciplines here. Beyond the city walls is Rome‘s second largest church, the San Paolo fuori le Mura, over the spot where St. Paul was buried. For about 400 years, it was the largest church in Europe.

Basilicas

Categories: Architecture · Art · Florence · Italy · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

The Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, or commonly referred to as the duomo, is Florence‘s most iconic landmark. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, it’s construction took almost 150 years starting in 1296. The facade was designed by Emilio de Fabris and the dome by Filippo Brunelleschi. Basilica Santa Croce has an austere interior compared with its magnificent neo-gothic facade. Though some may come to see the tombs of Michaelangelo, Dante, Gallileo and Macchiavelli, the real highlights are the Giottto frescoes and the Brunelleschi‘-designed Capella de’ Pazzi. Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di San Lorenzo  is considered to…