My Summer Vacation

by Andy McGivern, curator of exhibitions

This summer I had an opportunity to travel in Europe with my family. Our vacation began in Rome, with its rich history, magnificent architecture, and stunning art. Seeing the Colosseum in person and walking through the Roman Forum was a real treat for my wife, Jeana, our son, Justin, and me.  The architectural history of the United States just doesn't compare to that of Europe.

We took the train to Naples and spent a good part of a day exploring the nearby ruins of Pompeii, the city that was buried under 12 to 20 feet of ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Walking along the ancient stone streets that stretch out for blocks in all directions and trying to grasp the events on that fateful day was truly a moving experience.

In Florence we happened upon an artist sketching a Madonna and Child in chalk on the street. People stopped and watched and encouraged the artist by making small gifts of a coin or two in his box of extra chalk.
 

 
















In Barcelona, Spain, we visited architect Antoni Gaudí’s amazing church, Sagrada Família.  The unusual structure stands 558 feet tall and is still under construction 131 years after it began in 1883.  Gaudí’s unique vision is recognized as a glowing example of Catalonian architecture.

I love new experiences and exploring new places. If you get right down to it, museums are an extension of that idea. Museums offer visual exploration of cultures, environments, and extraordinary artistic interpretations.  Museums provide insights into a world of possibilities for curiosity seekers.

I hope you get inspired to search out something new and to broaden your horizons. More on my month of travel in future posts!