The Stedelijk is a modern art museum …
… which is controversially known for looking like a bathtub.
The Rijksmuseum
This was what I wanted to do for my birthday. On the three month anniversary of us arriving in Amsterdam we finally went to the Rijksmuseum.
I have stood amongst, and seen paintings by Vermeer.
Knowing from one of the art blogs I read that the “Woman in Blue Reading a Letter” has recently been restored made it even more meaningful.
The power in the pieces moves me, and I like watching how other patrons react to them.
Rembrandt’s The Night Watch dominates the room it imposes over with such completeness that people are awed into silence.
Being able to stand in the presence of such amazing works really changes you, and grows your appreciation for both the effort and skill that goes into it’s creation, and the detail with which the era has been captured by the artist(s).
Of course there are other masterpieces like this Winter Landscape with Skaters which also show details and insight into daily life,
and which also show the Dutch sense of humour to perfection! (Do click on that link above, there is a LOT to see in this painting!)
I can’t wait to go back after the massive renovations are completed! You will be seeing more of the Rijksmuseum! *grins*
Jurassic Lounge
Just like so many other people, we went to the final Jurassic Lounge of 2011. Those of you with keen eyesight and memories will remember that we went to the first one way back in February.
Though I must say, going by the volume of people that turned up, I think they’d be silly not to run it again! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the museum so full! Sections of it when there’s a specific exhibition on yes, but the was packed all night! HOORAY for the Australian Museum!
Just for a change of pace from our usual route through the museum (beginning down and heading up), with tickets purchased and complimentary drinks acquired, we headed on up to the Dinosaur exhibit. I was determined this time to work my way down through the Museum for a change!
As much as I really got into wandering around the Museum with the glass of wine in my hand, it did somewhat inhibit picture taking when you need both hands to be steady because of the low light! But I managed to work around it! *smiles *
Scores of people!
You might remember Ripley from the February post linked to above …
It really is amazing the art that can be created on the wall with a projector and some dirty glass dishes!
*tries not to make a Monty Python reference *
For those in the know, this was originally where Himself and I were planning on holding our Wedding Reception. In the Bone Room! Is that not a spectacular idea?!? Dinner amongst the bones!!!
At this Jurassic Lounge though, the bone room was the karaoke room.
I have a few more photos that I would like to share with you from this trip, but those can wait for now. Hi-Ho Silver, AWAY!
Until next time, keep adventuring!
Art After Hours
Art After Hours is one of my favourite things to do on a Wednesday night.
We went last week for the first time in months so that we could see the Mad Square Exhibition which is on until November 6th.
The Gallery always puts on a spectacular exhibition, and this was no exception. Taking you through the artistic movement from it’s inception through to the conclusion I found a new appreciation for this era of German art. It was the first time I’ve truly understood an appreciated Kandinsky!
There were no photos allowed in that particular exhibition. But there were no limits in the rest of the gallery (so long as you didn’t use flash).
I thought I might take a moment to share with you a new find
And some of my old favourites!
Art After Hours is on every Wednesday night from 5pm (normal closing time) to 9pm, and well worth the look in. Take some time to browse the weekly program to find out what’s on.
(I’ve just realised Flacco is on tonight!!! *has a fan-girl moment*)
ghoti industries 