Tag Archives: Museum

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Visit the Mark Twain House this Fall

Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut

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Located in Hartford, Connecticut, the Mark Twain House was home to Samuel Langhorne Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain, and his family, from 1874 to 1891. Today, the house is a museum, as well as a National Historic Landmark, because this is where the famous author wrote some of his most iconic pieces.

The Construction of the House
Mark Twain and his family first moved to Hartford in 1871, and then hired an architect to design their house a couple of years later. Mark Twain’s wife, known as Livy, had quite a bit of input into the design of the house, even drawing sketches to depict how different elements should look like. While the couple did have to deal with several delays and construction issues, the house was finally complete, and the family enjoyed what Mark Twain referred to as the happiest days of their life in this house.

The Museum
The Mark Twain House and Museum is home to over 16,000 objects that relate to Mark Twain and his life. The main collection consists of pieces that originally belonged to the family, or to the family of Mark Twain’s wife, and includes everything from the couple’s famous angel bed to the last pair of glasses that Mark Twain wore to clothes that belonged to the couple. There is also a separate Archival Collection, which includes a number of photogaphs and documents that were either created, received or collected by Mark Twain, his family and his friends. Some of the highlights of this collection include a love letter that Mark Twain wrote to his wife, and photographs of his daughters. The museum is also home to a few Special Collections that mostly feature library materials that have significant value, such as special editions of Mark Twain’s work.

New Exhibitions
The Mark Twain House and Museum is constantly striving to improve upon their collection, and they have recently introduced two new exhibits to the museum. The first is called Twain’s Temper: Top Ten Tantrums and Righteous Rages, with the books, letters, illustrations and political cartoons exploring the many different factors that used to make Mark Twain particularly angry. The second new exhibit is titled Renewing the Royal Chamber, and features the couple’s Mahogany Suite, which has recently been immaculately restored. The restoration effort was a huge one, with an incredible amount of attention paid to just about every detail within the bedroom, ensuring that it is as historically accurate as possible.

Guided Tours
The Mark Twain House and Museum offers a number of different guided tours for visitors, with one of the most popular being the standard House Tour, which will provide you with a fascinating insight into Mark Twain and his family. For those who enjoy theatrics, the Living History Tour is a must-do, as these are led by historical characters in period dress, and include plenty of fun photo opportunities. The Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours are also interesting, as these explore the ghostly tales that surround the Mark Twain House.

The Mark Twain House and Museum is open daily during the fall months, making it easy to plan a visit. For those who are fans of Mark Twain, who is famous for being one of the world’s greatest writers, a visit to the museum is an absolute must, as you will learn so much more about this enigmatic man.

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Art and War at the Yale University Art Gallery

Yale University Art Gallery

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Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the Yale University Art Gallery was originally founded in 1832, and is home to an encyclopaedic collection of art, spread out across multiple buildings. While the collections here do encompass just about every period and culture, there are several war-related works of art here that definitely should not be missed.

The Trumbull Gallery
Built in 1832, the Trumbull Gallery was one of the museum’s very first, and can be found on the second floor. This exhibit consists of a number of valuable paintings by John Trumbull, the majority of which depict historical events, including a number of war scenes. Some of the artist’s most famous pieces that you will see here include the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and the Declaration of Independence, many of which you are likely to recognize as soon as you see them, as they are quite iconic.

Before the Event/After the Fact: Contemporary Perspectives on War
Before the Event/After the Fact: Contemporary Perspectives on War is a temporary exhibition that will be running until the 31st of December, so you still have a few months to catch it. This exhibition explores the way in which war is represented when it comes to contemporary photography, displaying pieces that feature everything from combat zones to training sites to forensic reconstruction. It also examines the visual differences between staged images and real events, with some of the pieces playing on the relationship between the ambiguity of both of these elements. From video installations to digital animations to interactive pieces, the artwork on display in this exhibition really takes an imaginative look at the connection between art and war, while making use of plenty of modern day technology.

Artists in Exile: Expressions of Loss and Hope
Artists in Exile: Expressions of Loss and Hope is another temporary exhibition at the museum that begins on the 1st of September, and will be running until the end of December. This exhibition is based around the theme of exile, but examines this in quite an innovative way, by featuring artists who have been forced to leave their home country, either due to war or genocide. In addition to exploring how exile affected these artists, both mentally and physically, the exhibition also takes a look at the way in which the exile resulted in said artists being even more innovative when it comes to their work. There are several well-known European artists featured in the exhibition, including Gustave Courbet, Paul Gaugin and Marcel Duchamp, as well as a number of international artists, such as Elizabeth Catlett, Mu Xin and Ana Mendieta, with particular emphasis placed on female artists.

The oldest college art museum in the country, the Yale University Art Gallery is home to over 200,000 objects, ranging from ancient times to the modern day. For those who are looking to explore the relationship between art and war, this is a great museum to visit, as there are so many pieces here that relate to this topic.

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Taiwan’s National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

Overview of The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Taiwan

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The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium can be found near Kenting, on Taiwan’s southern coast, and first opened its doors in 2000. With three main exhibits, as well as the largest underwater tunnel in Asia, and many other research and educational facilities, it is no surprise that this museum has frequently been voted as one of the best of its kind in Asia.

Waters of Taiwan
Waters of Taiwan is likely to be the first of the three main exhibits that you visit, and is where you will find aquatic animals that are native to the country. Each exhibit within this hall is themed after one of the water systems in Taiwan, such as the reservoir, the river and the open sea, featuring animals including the Japanese eel, tilapia, nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays. This is also where you will find the museum’s touch pool, where you will be able to touch the creatures within.

Coral Kingdom
As you would imagine from its name, Coral Kingdom showcases the world of coral reefs, displaying the way in which they differ when it comes to shallow waters and deep oceans. This exhibit is truly educational, explaining how varying factors within the environment, from water pressure to light, can affect a coral reef. This is also where you will find the underwater tunnel, which is the largest in Asia, and gives you the opportunity to see Moray eels, butterflyfish, cownose rays, and so much more, from such an incredible perspective.

Waters of the World
The Waters of the World exhibits takes a look at the different bodies of water that can be found all over the planet. It begins by explaining how oceans are formed, before focussing in on specific seas, from ancient oceans to the deep sea to polar seas to kelp forests.

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Taiwan

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Temporary Exhibitions
NMMBA hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, and there are currently a few on that are worth checking out. The Exploration of Dr. Shark depicts the dangers that sharks face due to over-hunting, helping people to understand these creatures better, while The Secrets of Transparent Fish features exquisite specimens of fish that will no doubt impress.

Special Activities
In addition to exploring the three main halls within the museum, as well as the temporary exhibitions, there are several special activities that are held throughout the week, many on a daily basis, that enables you to learn more about marine animals first-hand. The seal feeding show, as well as the puffin feeding show, is always a popular one, so be sure to get there early, while the Waters of the World Penguin Feeding Show is definitely not to be missed. The Open Ocean Tank Fish Feeding Show is always quite a frenzy, as is the Underwater Tunnel Reef Fish Feeding Show, which you watch from the Underwater Tunnel in the Coral Kingdom.

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium offers up so much, not only in terms of animals that you can view, but also educationally too. From their informative exhibits to their talks and special activities, this is a museum that the whole family will be able to enjoy together.

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Visit the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow

Kremlin Armoury yard in Moscow, Russia

Established in 1851, the Kremlin Armoury is one of the oldest museums in the city, and can be found within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. With a collection that is closely linked to the history of the Kremlin itself, this is a museum that is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about Moscow’s rich heritage.

The Architecture of the Armoury Chamber
Originally built as part of the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber was completed and designated as a museum in 1851. The architectural style closely resembles that of the Grand Kremlin Palace Complex, with 17th century details seen all across its facade. The building makes use of quite an unusual system of high floor vaults, which, when contrasting against the ornate columns, creates the illusion of interior amplitude and extravagance.

The Museum’s Collection
The Kremlin Armoury boasts quite a unique collection, mainly made up of decorative and applied art. Many of the most valuable items within the collection were previously preserved for centuries by the tsars, while others were created in the Kremlin workshops themselves. In addition to the 4000 pieces of art that you will find here, which comes from both Russia as well as European countries, you will also be able to see everything from ancient state regalia to ceremonial clothing to medieval Russian embroidery to weapons and arms, as well as the largest collection of gold in the world.

The Diamond Fund
A valuable collection of treasures from all over the country, the Diamond Fund is considered to be one of the most important collections in the world. Since 1967, the ground floor of the Kremlin Armoury has been dedicated to exhibiting the Diamond Fund, which tourists are free to explore. One of the highlights of the Diamond Fund is The Big Triangle, which is the heaviest gold nugget in the world, weighing in at an impressive 36 kilograms.

The Armoury Chamber Mobile App
In order to help make the most of the Kremlin experience for visitors, the museum has produced a multimedia app for smartphones and tablets, called the Moscow Kremlin Museums Armoury Chamber. In addition to displaying the latest news from the Moscow Kremlin, the section of the app that is donated to the Armoury Chamber features everything from a map of the museum to an audio guide for those who want to tour the museum on their own, and even games with museum content, and quests that you can complete while navigating your way around the museum. This is a great way to really expand your learning experience, making your museum visit so much more interactive and memorable. It is also a fantastic way to involve your children in the museum experience and will help them to understand Moscow’s history so much more.

At one point in time, the Kremlin Armoury was responsible for producing, purchasing and storing weapons, with the finest Muscovite gunsmiths working here. Today, this museum is a fantastic representation of military life in Moscow, and the varied exhibits are the perfect way to learn more about this.

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Explore 21st Century Russian Art at the Tretyakov Gallery

The Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia

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Located in Moscow, Russia, the State Tretyakov Gallery boasts the best collection of Russian fine art in the world. While the museum may be primarily dedicated to the history of Russian art, they have recently opened up a new branch that focuses on Russian modern art, with several exhibits that focus on Russian art from the 21st century.

The Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery is known and loved for its incredibly rich collection that focuses on Russian art. In addition to preserving and representing Russian art, the gallery also aims to help to form a sense of Russian cultural identity, drawing attention to the importance of art in general. By providing a way in which locals, as well as tourists, can access Russian masterpieces, as well as other important pieces of world art, the museum hopes to enrich peoples’ lives and make Russia a better place.

The Modern Art: 1960-2000. Restart
The Modern Art: 1960-2000. Restart is an exhibition that began in April 2016, and will be running until December 2017, so you only have a few months left if you are hoping to catch it. This is a fascinating exhibition that addresses the mistrust that the public tends to have towards modern art. It does this by portraying the incredible diversity of some of the artistic trends that emerged after the 20th century, acquainting viewers with some of the most interesting works from this spectacular cultural period that we are now living in.

Still-Life. Metamosphoses. Dialogue Between Classic and Contemporary Art
There have always been some interesting contrasts between classic and contemporary art, and the Tretyakov Gallery is trying to explore this further. In order to ensure that as wide an audience as possible can experience this exhibit, they have made it into a virtual one, with the link available on their website. The exhibit features around 200 pieces of artwork from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, which are either from major museum collections or donated from private collections.

A tour group admiring painting at Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia

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Tours of the Tretyakov Gallery
With so much art on display, dating back many years, a guided tour is often the best way to really explore the Tretyakov Gallery. The guided tours are carried out in English, French and German, but do not worry if you speak a different language, as group interpretors are available too. The knowledgable guides will take you through the highlights of the museum’s collection, but, if it is just modern art that you are interested in seeing, a tailored tour can also be arranged. If you do want to arrange for a special tour, make sure that you do this more than three days in advance of your visit, otherwise the price for your tour will significantly rise.

Modern Russian art is something that is being nurtured all across Russia, and the country’s art scene is now really thriving because of this. While the Tretyakov Gallery may be primarily focussed on historical art, their modern art exhibits are still definitely worth checking out, and their collections are constantly expanding, so you never know what you may end up seeing.

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The Roseville Telephone Museum

Antique Phone
The way in which telephones have helped to shape history for over a century now is often overlooked, but the Roseville Telephone Museum, which has been around since 1994, aims to celebrate this. With four main galleries that feature exhibits covering everything from the history of telephone communication to quirky modern phones, this is a one-of-a-kind museum that boasts the most extensive collection of antique telephones and related memorabilia in the country.

Alexander Graham Bell
A Scottish born scientist and inventor, Alexander Graham Bell is most famous for his invention of the telephone in 1876. The Roseville Telephone Museum has a special display dedicated to Alexander Graham Bell, along with some of his original telephone inventions, from his Centennial Telephone to the “Liquid” Telephone. Also on display is the very first commercial telephone created by Alexander Graham Bell in 1877, and features a brick-sized wooden body with just one spout that was designed to be both the earpiece as well as the mouthpiece. With no ringing system designed yet, users were supposed to shout into the spout in the hopes that someone on the other end of the line would hear them. This is the part of the museum that should be visited first, as the original prototypes that can be found here are what today’s modern smartphones have stemmed from.

Step By Step Switching Demonstration
The museum’s Step by Step Switching Demonstration is always popular with visitors, with this particular model dating back to the 1950’s. This interactive display demonstrates how telephones work, and the way in which a person is able to use a phone to call another.

Morse Code
Morse Code
Morse code has been in use since before the telephone was invented, and has been a significant part of the way in which phones have developed and evolved over the years. For those that are interested in learning Morse code, there is a dedicated display at the museum to teach you this, as well as give you the opportunity to try it out for yourself.

Underground Cable Exhibit
The museum’s Underground Cable Exhibit is guaranteed to captivate anyone that is interested in technology. This exhibit teaches visitors about the time before portable phones, when the method of communication was, in a way, similar to a tin can tied on a string.

Novelty Phones
The museum’s exhibit on novelty phones is always a highlight amongst visitors. From the popular Mickey Mouse phones of the 1950’s to vintage models complete with attached ashtrays, the colors and models that you will find in this exhibit are most definitely unique, and this part of the museum is guaranteed to be a hit with any children you may be visiting with.

The Roseville Telephone Museum is open to visitors by appointment only, so be sure to phone ahead to check opening hours and availability before turning up. With displays that feature just about every example of telecommunications technology, this museum is a fantastic way to learn more about the history of what many would argue is the most important product in their lives today.

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The Bin Matar House

Muharraq
Located in Muharraq, which was the former capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Bin Matar House was built by Salman bin Hussain, one of the most famous pearling merchants in Bahrain in the 19th and 20th centuries. This admirable man was not only wealthy, but also generous and kind-hearted to those less fortunate than him, and the house, which is now a fascinating museum, represents a significant part of Bahrain’s heritage and culture.

The Ground Floor
The ground floor of the Bin Matar House is where you will find a small café, ideal for enjoying a couple of snacks before or after touring the house. This is also where the gift shop is located, which features a wide variety of local products, from books on Bahrain’s history, as well as the famous Matar family, to accessories created by local designers. With the ground floor of the Bin Matar House being so large, this is also the spot where a number of important temporary exhibitions are held, featuring the work of top artists, from the likes of Zaha Hadid to Waheeda Malullah.
Bahrain Architecture
Classic Bahraini Architecture
While the ground floor of the Bin Matar House was used for a variety of purposes over the years, the top floor remained as the main residence of the Matar family until 2002. After vacating the property, the house remained empty and unused for a while, which led to talks about its demolition. However, fortunately, this was never carried out, and the Bin Matar House was fully restored in 2009, now reflecting all of its former glory. The house is a fantastic example of classic Bahraini architecture, with its tall columns and traditional windows, both of which have been around since the house was first built. The ceilings have also been left untouched, enabling visitors to really feel as though they are stepping back in time to when the house was first constructed. Being built in the traditional Bahraini style, the house makes use of a wide range of local materials, from the trunks of palm trees to gypsum to sea-stone, many of which can also be seen in some of Muharraq’s other traditional houses.

The Top Floor
While the Bin Matar House used to overlook the sea, there has been a large amount of land reclaimed since it was first built, meaning that the waterfront is now a couple of kilometres away. However, the sprawling terrace area at the top floor of the house boasts spectacular views of the busy streets of Muharraq, showcasing the hustle and bustle of the city below. There are plenty of educational displays here that teach visitors more about the beginnings of the Matar family, with exhibits that hold the family’s original pearling tools. These also help to explain the pearling process in more detail, from the measuring and weighing to the drilling and stringing.

The Bin Matar House is an exemplary example of Gulf Islamic architecture, and showcases a hugely important part of Bahrain’s heritage. From its displays on pearling to its local art exhibitions, a visit to the Bin Matar House is a great way to learn more about how Bahrain developed into the extraordinary nation that it is today.

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The Harvard Museum of Natural History

Harvard Museum of Natural History

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Situated on the sprawling grounds of Cambridge’s Harvard University, the Harvard Museum of Natural History features a combination of the most exciting specimens from the university’s three other natural history museums. From the permanent exhibitions that showcase the mind-boggling diversity of life that this planet holds, to public lectures and special events where visitors can learn about natural history in even more depth, it is easy to see why this is the most frequently visited out of all of Harvard University’s museums.

Africa, Asia & America
Three of the permanent exhibits at the museum focus on specific geographical areas; Africa, Asia and Central and South America. Each of these exhibits features mounted wildlife exhibits that are native to that particular region. In the Africa exhibit, visitors will be able to see lions, gorillas, a hippopotamus and rare species from the island of Madagascar, while in Asia, visitors will be greeted by a rare Indian rhinoceros, Siberian tigers, cheetahs and the clouded leopard. In the Central and South America exhibit, some of the wildlife highlights include the jaguar, tapir, sloth and an entire wall of hummingbirds.

Bees!
This spring and summer exhibit will be held until November, and features different bee specimens from all over the world. Bees are absolutely vital to the survival of our planet, and this display helps to emphasize this, teaching visitors more about these incredible creatures, as well as showing off the honey-making process.

Climate Change: Our Global Experiment
Climate change is a topic that is becoming increasingly important, and this exhibit is a way for visitors to learn the facts about the issue, in order to make their own decisions about what the planet needs. The exhibit puts on display all of the latest research from the experts at Harvard, as well as other institutions around the world, and also has a simulation globe that visitors can interact with, allowing them to learn about the consequences that climate change has had, as well as what lies in store for the future.

New England Forests
The forests of New England are beautifully unique and diverse, which is exactly what this exhibit aims to celebrate. This multimedia exhibition takes a close look at the way in which New England’s forests have responded to human activity over the years, while showcasing the circle of life that lives within them, from the microscopic insects that live in forest ponds to the ecology of wolves and woodland caribou.

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is home to a number of other exciting exhibits, teaching visitors all about natural history from all over the world. The museum also holds several different special events and classes for adults, from wildlife drawing sessions taught by renowned artists to fascinating talks and lectures on New England’s natural history. The museum itself is open daily, and an admission ticket also grants you access to the adjacent Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, which is also worth a visit if you have some extra time to spare.

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Singapore Art Museum

Singapore Art Museum

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A contemporary art museum that focuses on Southeast Asian pieces, the Singapore Art Museum is situated in a restored 19th-century mission school, and first opened its doors in 1996, becoming the country’s very first art museum. Set right in the heart of Singapore’s art and culture district, the museum boasts a fantastic collection of both temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Seas
Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Seas is an exhibition that is currently being held at the Singapore Art Museum, and makes viewers think about the many mysteries that lie beneath the world’s seven seas. Featuring pieces by artists such as Rashid Rana, Sally Smart and Pratchaya Phinthong, the exhibition takes a look at the numerous expeditions that humans have made into the sea, but brings to attention the fact that there is plenty more waiting to be discovered.

Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea
Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea continues on with Singapore Art Museum’s temporary sea theme, with an exhibition aimed at captivating the younger ones. This children-focussed annual exhibition is tactile and interactive, encouraging children to get involved with what they see, discovering for themselves what lies beneath the ocean.

Learning Gallery
The Learning Gallery at the Singapore Art Museum showcases some of the museum’s permanent collection, while encouraging discussion and engagement with each of the pieces displayed. Nguan is a collection of photographs from various artists that capture the nuances of everyday Singapore, featuring un-posed and intimate portraits of residents going about their daily lives on the city streets. HDB Life is an interactive exhibition, highlighting the way in which HDB flats are now iconic when it comes to Singapore’s landscape. Here, visitors are able to create their dream HDB unit with the use of stickers, showing how these plain and sterile units become so uniquely transformed by the individual residents that move into them. Another fantastic interactive piece is We Are Family by Vicente Delgado, a Spanish artist who has lived in Singapore for over ten years. Using bold colors, textures and shapes to create a soft sculpture, visitors are encouraged to interact and play with these shapes, using them to create their own forms.

Participatory Programs
The Singapore Art Museum prides itself on its schedule of participatory programs that are open to the public. Their Short Films Screenings are ideal opportunities for film fans to see pieces that they may not otherwise have been able to, from the imaginative nature documentary The Deep to animated French film The Little Cousteau. There are also a number of different workshops and demonstrations available to attend, such as the Plastic Ocean Illustration Workshop and the Knots Workshop.

Singapore has always considered itself to be a hub for arts and culture, and the Singapore Art Museum shows that it has been successful in keeping this alive. With its specialized focus on Southeast Asian contemporary art, visitors will be able to experience art pieces that are truly unique to the region, making the most of a museum that is considered to be one of the finest art museums in the region.

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Kalaupapa National Historic Park

Kalaupapa Lookout

Located in Kalaupapa, on the island of Moloka’i, the Kalaupapa National Historic Park has had quite a dark role to play when it comes to the history of Hawaii. When Hansen’s Disease, otherwise known as leprosy, was introduced to the island in the 1830’s by foreign workers, Kalaupapa was designated as an isolation settlement, housing those who had been afflicted by the then-incurable disease. These historic settlements have been preserved throughout Kalaupapa National Historic Park, and, combined with the incredible natural beauty that the park boasts, it is a great destination at which to learn more about a turbulent time in Hawaii’s past.

Learning About Kalaupapa’s History
In order for the public to learn as much as possible about Kalaupapa’s sad past, Kalaupapa National Historic Park works hard to preserve all of their authentic historic features. From the buildings to the roads to the grave markers, the history that is still clearly visible throughout the park is definitely impressive. The park is also home to a museum collection that tells the story of the devastation that leprosy caused, with over 300,000 objects to depict this, including first-hand accounts from those who were directly affected by the disease. Kalaupapa is still home to a number of people who contracted leprosy, suffering for a while before they were eventually cured in later years.

Wildlife
Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the world, and it is truly incredible to imagine how the islands slowly filled with animal life over the years, with creatures that were either drifted in by the sea or blown in by the wind. The islands of Hawaii are known for their natural diversity, with 95% of their native animals not being found anywhere else in the world. The isolation and seclusion of the Kalaupapa National Historic Park means that it provides a protective sanctuary for a vast array of wildlife, from rare tropical fish to endangered birds to colorful marine life.

Kalaupapa mule tour

Kalaupapa Mule Tour
One of the most popular ways to explore the Kalaupapa National Historic Park is on the back of a mule, with guided tours taking you to some of the highlights of the park. In addition to having the opportunity to ride down the highest sea cliffs in the world, visitors are able to experience and learn about the park’s history from a traditional, but unique, perspective.

Natural Beauty
For those that are interested in nature, there are a number of plant varieties in the Kalaupapa National Historic Park that promise to fascinate you, as well as areas of incredible natural beauty. From native palms to endangered grasses to lava tubes and caves to soaring sea cliffs, the natural beauty around the park is wonderfully diverse.

A small peninsula of lush land that is surrounded by steep cliffs, visitors can easily see why Kalaupapa was chosen as a quarantine area when leprosy became rampant in Hawaii. The park’s history, as well as its untouched natural beauty, which is perfectly reminiscent of Old Hawaii, serves as a significant reminder of some of the struggles that Hawaii has faced over the years, the effects of which still haunt the Kalaupapa National Historic Park today.