I am one of those people who can get lost in an art gallery or a museum. Thus, when traveling, I absolutely have to visit the tourist spots that inevitably include a cathedral, museum, garden or gallery. Seeing a Van Gogh or a Picasso for the first time is a thrill I will never forget. Growing up in South Africa the rest of the world always felt far away, things seen on television an impossible distance from me. So when I was able to travel to different countries I truly reveled in the chance to see art and architecture with my own two eyes.
With the different countries I have travelled to, my top 3 art galleries or museums are:
- Museum of Islamic Art, Doha Qatar
History and art goes hand in hand, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha truly makes relics of the past come to life. The exquisite lighting within each hall, the architecture and the design of the entire museum has the fine balance between modern and timeless in perfect sync. The MIA is designed by the Chinese –American architect, I. M. Pei, who famously designed the glass and steel pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum in Paris. My experience in this museum was truly unforgettable.
2. Musée du Louvre, Paris France
This must undoubtedly be the most famous museum in the world. Trust me, even if you know absolutely nothing about art, you simply cannot visit Paris and not go to the Louvre. This museum is 229 years old with walls and halls that have housed most of the world’s most famous art. Shouldering your way through throngs of tourists that fill the exhibition halls, you sometimes only have glimpses of famous art pieces, but it is all worth it. Where else will you see the Mona Lisa? Even if she is much smaller than you imagined. The history of the Louvre alone makes it worth a visit.
- Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Barcelona Spain
Well, the title of his one should actually read, “ANYTHING by Antoni Gaudí ”, because his fingerprints are all over the vibrant city of Barcelona.
The Sagrada Familia is like looking into those 3D posters of the early 90’s, the more you look at it the more you see. This cathedral literally unveils itself with details at every angle. The inside of this building was so breathtakingly beautiful, that I was moved to tears when I stepped inside. The play of light on the white interior walls and pillars makes the inside of this cathedral seem like an ever -changing canvas. If you are ever in the city of Barcelona, make an effort to visit Basílica de la Sagrada Família, it is worth every euro and every minute of waiting in line to get inside.
What is YOUR favourite historic building? Let me know in the comments.