Extravigator - Arts + Culture

Guggenheim Bilbao

Dex — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:26:23 -0400

Just a follow-up with respect to Bilbao, which is gorgeous and everything you'd expect it to be and more. It turns out that Bilbao was the birthplace of the Spanish composer J.C. Arriaga, who is frequently referred to as "the Spanish Mozart." Unfortunately, he died at the age of 19 (even earlier than Mozart did) and, consequently, the extent of his compositions was rather limited. He wrote a few string quartets, a symphony and a number of overtures and concert arias. But, they are all beautiful and must be heard to be believed. The city of Bilbao treats Arriaga as its native son, frequently performing his works, and they have reason to be proud of him.

Ball Season in Vienna

Nanoose — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:11:28 -0500

The ball was fabulous and the velvet sheath worked well. There were about 5,000 people at the ball, so 2,500 gorgeous gowns to look at. My waltzing was rusty but luckily, the ballroom was filled to capacity so it was hard to determine how rusty I actually was!

Ball Season in Vienna

roberta — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:47:17 -0500

Hello Nanoose!
As the "Kaffeesiederball" is taking place at the Hofburg in Vienna tomorrow, I suppose you have already arrived. Generally spoken, you could wear the long black sheeth at almost every ball (as long as it's full-length) here, furthermore it is easy to dress up with some accessoires, so in my opinion its a good choice. Enjoy the night and your stay!

Ball Season in Vienna

Nanoose — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:28:29 -0500

Thanks Phipps. I am going to the coffehouse ball at the imperial palace. It's one of the larger balls and I was wondering if I needed a more traditional ball gown or if a regular long black sheeth (easy to pack and accessorize) will do. Thanks.

Ball Season in Vienna

c.phipps — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:43:45 -0500

Hello Nanoose,

It completely depends on the Ball actually. Vienna is extremely traditional and out of all places in Europe they still maintain a formal structure that is somewhat unknown to outsiders. I have only been to Vienna for one winter ball and I attend each year for Opera Season but most events tend to be very formal and executed without flaw. If you're invited then I would assume this isn't the first event of this type that you are attending. You'll have a fantastic time and it will probably be one of the most memorable experienced of your life. Watch out for the Bavarian women, they take over the scene and usually get nasty looks from the Viennese. Have a great time!

Ball Season in Vienna

Nanoose — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:13:15 -0500

Hi, I am invited to Vienna for a Ball. Has anyone gone? Can you share with me what I should expect?

Guggenheim Bilbao

wespj — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:53:42 -0400

Every one has their own tastes, so it really comes down to how much you like Guggenheim. Myself, I was really excited about visiting the museum in Bilbao but found it a little underwhelming. Maybe that's because my expectations were so high.

I would say: If you are in the greater Bilbao area (eg. within two hours) absolutely go. But don't make a special trip for it either.

Best New York galleries?

c.phipps — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:42:44 -0400

If you are looking for a nice gallery with well known and new artists I would stop by the Gladstone Gallery. They have a great collection and the artists are very involved with how the gallery operates.

Avoiding lines to get into the Louvre

yasmine — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:37:00 -0400

To the museums in paris ,go in october till april.less tourist crowd.
and you will get to meet locals too.
Paris is more fun in winter.

Museums in Chicago

Nan Gallagher — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:03:45 -0400

Thanks--these are great suggestions!

Museums in Chicago

Nanoose — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:59:54 -0400

The Art Institute is the classic museum in Chicago that you won't want to miss. Michigan Ave/Adams St. In the summer, they are open free on Thursdays and Friday evenings so check their website for their free days when you arrive. Museum of Contemporary Art is near CHicago/Michigan and is amazing as well. Also, on Fridays from 5-8, there are many "gallery openings" in the River West area (Wells/Superior) where the galleries open their doors to their new peices and serve wine and cheese. You can check the reader (www.chicagoreader.com) for which galleries are opening on the day you will be there. There are usually 5-10 openings in a 1-2 block radius. Also, if this isn't enough, there is a private club called "The Union League CLub" down in the loop that you can call and ask if you can tour their art collection. One of the best art collections in the country.

Museums in Chicago

Nan Gallagher — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:43:59 -0400

I am going to a conference in Chicago in September and know that it has a fantastic art scene. Are there any museums in Chicago that I MUST go to? Anything I shouldn't miss? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Guggenheim Bilbao

Kathleen Glyde — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:10:58 -0400

The Guggenheim in Bilbao is spectacular. We had a private dinner and tour of the museum ( the museum was closed to the public that day ) which I enjoyed a great deal. Then we went to San Sebastian the next day. If you have ample time on your hands - spend a day roaming the vineyards in Rioja. Happy travels and much fun!

Guggenheim Bilbao

henryseedrichards — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:16:36 -0400

I love Gehry's masterpiece (and what it's done for the city of Bilbao), but the last time I visited the art on show was really poor and the curating even weaker. Check to see what's on, if possible, before you book your trip. After all, it's not just about the shiny building, but what it was designed to house and showcase. (It attracts a lot of school parties too, which is great on one hand, but if you like to contemplate your modern art, then the trooping past of noisy school children is a little off-putting).
Definitely, definitely head to San Sebastian after Bilbao – I'm on the Arzak side of the fence, so if you're after the alluring combination of three Michelin stars in a contemporary setting with a warm, family welcome, this is your place. The food, service and setting shine bright. San Sebastian itself has the air of a Victorian seaside resort. Lovely place.
If you've got more time on your hands, then a trip down into Rioja is definitely worth the journey. Visit another of Gehry's masterpieces at the Marqués de Riscal winery.
Rioja is stunning: a beautiful rolling landscape, scattered with medieval towns and villages and every few miles a piece of striking, daring modern architecture. Oh, and great wine and great food. I spent a week in the region and loved it. A special place. Be sure to visit the Bai Gorri bodega.

Which museums and sites in Rome to see?

colette — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:21:31 -0400

The best in museums in Rome are the many "house museums" that are everywhere you look. The Palazzo Colonna is the most picture-worthy by far!

There's a wonderful article that appeared in the New York Times a few weeks ago about all of the Rome House Museums— including the Palazzo Colonna.

The article also highlights Palazzo Barberini, Palazzo Corsini, Palazzo Spada, Museo Napoleonico, The Keats-Shelley House, The Giorgio de Chirico House Museum, Museo Mario Praz —Mario Praz scoured the cities flea markets to create this collection— and the Palazzo Altemps which is part of the Roman National Museum.

I think you'll find any of the house museums to be especially charming and memorable.

Guggenheim Bilbao

hombrelobo — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:37:42 -0400

I'd recommend visiting the Guggenheim in Bilbao and then heading towards San Sebastian, which is only 1 and a half hours away from Bilbao by car.

The Guggenheim is outstanding, and Bilbao is a small charming city (disclalmer: I live in Bilbao .... :), but you probably do not want to spend more than 1 or 2 days there.

But as I said San Sebastian is pretty close, it is a gorgeous city, and has some of the best restaurants in the world (they have more Michelin stars per inhabitant that any other city in the world).

I am attaching a picture of another nice building in Bilbao that I took last week with the phone.

Guggenheim Bilbao

Rosemary — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:08:44 -0400

I visited the Guggenheim Bilbao the first year it was built. I find it spectacular. I was on a ship that stopped in Bilbao, thus I didn't make a special trip to the city. But I will certainly make a special effort to see this magnificiet structure again when we return to Spain next year.

Guggenheim Bilbao

Dex — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:30:48 -0500

I'm going to be going to Spain for a little over a week in a while. Haven't entirely decided which parts I'll be heading to yet, but I've always wanted to see the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Can someone tell me if the museum is really worth the trip to Bilbao? Or is it only worth seeing if you happen to be in or near Bilbao? I've been to the Guggenheim in New York, but I definitely wouldn't head to New York just to see the Guggenheim. On the other hand, seeing Frank Gehry's renowned architecture is tempting. Please let me know your thoughts if you've been. Thank you.

Avoiding lines to get into the Louvre

pretavoyager — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:19:56 -0500

Go on Wednesday and Friday evenings. You can get in at a reduced rate and the museum is open until 10. You'll also avoid crowds this way.

Tip : Paris Museum Pass

weevil — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:29:08 -0500

Yeah, I shouldn't have phrased it exactly the way I did. I'll make an edit to it above. I noticed that someone else had mentioned the special entrance to the Louvre in an earlier post.

Tip : Paris Museum Pass

DavidO — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:36:03 -0500

It's a waste of money to buy the pass in advance. You can purchase one at any Metro station, or typically from the front desk of your hotel.

The best part of the pass, to elaborate on what weevil has reported, is that there are often separate entrances for Pass holders ... for instance, at the Louvre.

Tip : Paris Museum Pass

weevil — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:03:19 -0500

Here's a useful timesaving tip that I thought I would share after my recent trip to Paris. If you're planning on visiting more than one museum while in Paris, you'll save yourself from waiting in long lines if you buy a Paris Museum Pass. For those who haven't been to Paris in a few years, it used to be known as the "Carte musées monuments." The more museums you see, the better the bargain is. Here is the list of the museums the pass will get you into.

You can buy passes for two days (€30), four days (€45) or six days (€60) starting on the day you use your first admission. The ability to avoid the long lines the best part of the pass.

If you don't mind paying for shipping, you can buy the passes in advance online. However, you can also buy them at all of the museums in the program.

Which museums and sites in Rome to see?

Herry Lawford — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:02:25 -0500

You certainly live up to your name, Forager! That's a great find. Now we can all go!

Best New York galleries?

marcie — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:59:56 -0500

I recently stepped in to see the Andy Warhol's complete diamond dust edition exhibit from 1979 at the Woodward Gallery on Eldridge Street. It might be a good one to keep in mind.
http://www.woodwardgallery.net

A fascinating exhibit which I hope to see soon is "The Masked Portrait" which includes pieces from post Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It just opened at the Marianne Boesky gallery on W24th and near 10th Avenue. http://www.marianneboeskygallery.com/

I'm not sure "best New York galleries" is really makes any sense. It's pretty subjective if you ask me.

Which museums and sites in Rome to see?

forager — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:57:09 -0500

I found the official website for the Palazzo Colonna. It looks incredible. Great suggestion, Herry.

It seems that they offer private group tours any day of the week, but for a minimum of 10 people.

Luckily, it seems that they do indeed open it up to the public on Saturdays between 9am — 1pm (closed in August). The price of admission appears to be €7.

http://www.galleriacolonna.it/

I'll definitely add this to my itinerary the next time I venture to Rome.

Which museums and sites in Rome to see?

Herry Lawford — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:07:35 -0500

I don't believe that it is open to the general public, but it's such a treasure that I'm sure there's some way to get in.....I just don't know how!

Which museums and sites in Rome to see?

marcie — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:54:54 -0500

— Herry LawfordNot sure how you'd get in, but the Palazzo Colonna is definitely worth seeing.

I'm not sure I understand. Is the Palazzo Colonna not open to the general public? Or is it just difficult to get tickets?

Which museums and sites in Rome to see?

Herry Lawford — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:21:48 -0500

Not sure how you'd get in, but the Palazzo Colonna is definitely worth seeing. It's full of glorious paintings and the great gallery is one of the architectural wonders of the city. See under the discussion "Enjoying Rome" earlier

Best New York galleries?

maxf — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:15:16 -0500

Which are the best galleries in New York for contemporary art and collectible design?

Which museums and sites in Rome to see?

DonPablo — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:58:42 -0500

If you're going to Rome and you want to see "....the most exquisite of Bernini's sculptures," I would suggest that you visit the Galleria Borghese, which is located in the Villa Borghese. However, you should know that you cannot just show up and expect to get in. All visits are by appointment only and the best way of taking care of the arrangements is to have your hotel's concierge handle them for you. (Not only must your visit be scheduled in advance but, once you've entered the gallery, you are only allowed to stay there for a few hours before they remind you that it's time for you to leave, in order to allow others to view the precious works of art that can be found there.) So much for the difficulties in visiting the Galleria Borghese. But, once you're in, you will, indeed, see a collection of Bernini sculptures that, in my opinion, is by far the finest in the entire world, in terms of both quality and quantity. Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne" literally took my breath away when I first saw it (in fact it took my breath away again on my second visit) and there are so many other wonderful works of his there that, the minute you leave the museum, you'll be thinking about when you might be able to return again.

While the Galleria Borghese is very well-known for its splendid collection of Berninis, there is a little church in Rome that also has a wonderful, albeit smaller, collection of his work that is such a secret that very few visitors to the city even know about it. To get there, start in the lobby of the St. Regis Grand hotel. Walk out the door and turn to your right. Walk just about a half block, cross the street, and you'll be standing right in front of the church. It's not open all the time, but the hours of admission are posted on the front door. (Unlike the Galleria Borghese, admission is free.) Once you're inside, take a seat and look around at the spectacular inside of this church which, interestingly enough, looks to be of little importance based on its outside appearance. Then, walk around at look at the Berninis. You'll be amazed.

One final thing - for additional information on things to see and do in Rome (especially concerning the new "Ara Pacis" museum), you might want to see my postings, here in the Extravigator website, in the discussion entitled "Enjoying Rome." The postings are dated October 19th and 21st, 2007.