the museum whose name I can’t pronounce…
But I’m working on it! It’s called the Stedelijk Museum but you can also just refer to it as the Museum of Modern Art when you are here and people will likely know what you are talking about.
a little different than the rijksmusuem…
You should definitely go! Like the Rijksmuseum, it’s been going through a giant renovation and relocation so I’ve only seen a mini exhibition on a different street.
I’ve been going to museums since I could read so it’s been interesting to watch the evolution of the concept. There were a few museums that really wowed me as a child but generally the 21st century incarnations (or reincarnations) are far superior.
There is a clever use of technology via pre-recorded audio guides in many languages. Not as charming as following the French tour because it’s the one going at that hour – but you do understand more 😉 And don’t have to jostle others to see the objects.
When I first started going to museums I would try to read and see everything, absorbing as much as possible. Anyone accompanying me would normally be hanging out in the gift shop or sitting on a bench near the exit. Once you’ve been to most of the famous museums in the world multiple times you need to reassess your strategy.
The museums of a city are a reflection of its culture – how often the weather forces people indoors, the interests of its citizens and the wealth of its economy. I’m not sure if bankers “get” all the art but they definitely like seeing their names on display 🙂 It’s no accident London and New York City have no many world class museums.
The museums in cities without armies of investment bankers or who have been the epicenter of the art world like Paris are smaller, more provincial affairs. It’s easy to dismiss them.
But every museum holds a few treasures, whether some local art or artifact native to the region or some painting from a favourite artist you’ve never seen before donated by a local collector. What people collect and choose to display, include the design and architecture of its showcase, will reveal some secrets about the local culture and enrich your understanding of it.
The Stedilijk is not the Pompidou but it is well worth a visit. And learning how to pronounce will improve your Dutch 🙂
look at those cakes!
p.s. after you have explored museums, head to the Pijp for cake at De Taart van m’n Tante – it’s worth the walk
http://www.detaart.com/en/home.htm
life on planetm 