Finally took a ride today to the Art Museum; I ended up by myself but that was actually ok because I'm sure my obsessive picture-taking would have bugged anyone else no end. The goal today was to see the Renoir landscape exhibit, which closes on the 6th. I went, I saw, and was disappointed. Not because Renoir is not my favorite 19th century French artist (he's not, but I was hoping to learn something new about him) or that I don't like landscapes. The problem was logistical-there were so many people that I couldn't even implement my tried and true method of enjoying a crowded exhibit.
There were several pictures that I'd never seen before (I love seeing those in private collections and imagining them on my wall-maybe in another lifetime) and I was unable to get much of a look. I did take note of where they came from, and hopefully will be able to see some of them when they are back in their home museums. I must admit that the whole thing was partly my fault-I was supposed to go yesterday but just could not drag myself the 60 miles to Philly and I think that was my undoing. Even though a timed ticket was required to get in, the powers that be overestimated the number of people at one time-you couldn't even move through the rooms.
I'm very proprietary about this museum. I've been going there literally my whole life and get a little uppity when crowds impede my enjoyment. I'm very happy that so many people are attending any special exhibit because I love to see everyone enjoying all the great art, but there's a fine line between appreciation and mayhem.
So enough speechifying; I did get around the building and took some pictures, some in the American wing, which is really hidden from view (not intentionally of course but you have to know where it is or follow some unsatisfactory signage). I also went out to the front of the museum and took the obligatory shots and video of the iconic view of center city made famous by the Rocky movies.
I also got some shots of the Perelman Building, a 20's era insurance company building that is now part of the museum.
As I was leaving, I saw an opportunity to get some pictures of the newly restored and gleaming Waterworks complex on the Schuylkill; it was late afternoon and the sun was glinting perfectly. The views from the restaurant are spectacular, but since I didn't have time for a drink, I settled for the gazebo along the river.
As I was leaving, I saw an opportunity to get some pictures of the newly restored and gleaming Waterworks complex on the Schuylkill; it was late afternoon and the sun was glinting perfectly. The views from the restaurant are spectacular, but since I didn't have time for a drink, I settled for the gazebo along the river.
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