Visit Museums

Lost and Found for Love

2010-12-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

Broken hearted? Perhaps you’ll find some relief at The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia. The museum displays more than 700 items donated by a world-wide group of anonymous ex-lovers. Check it out on the BBC website.

Ancient mammals return

2010-11-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

Around one and a half million years ago, mammoths crossed into North America from Asia. In more recent times, a bulldozer operator uncovered the skeleton of a young Columbian mammoth. The operator was working on a project for the Snowmass Water and Sanitation District when he discovered the skeleton on October 14. After the operator retrieved a quarter of the skeleton, the bones were cleaned and displayed at the District’s office in Snowmass Village near Aspen, Colorado.

Personnel from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science began their excavation of the site on November 2. Since that time they have uncovered skeletons of mammoths, mastodons, deer, bison and other mammals thought to have lived between 12,000 and 16,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. The excavation site, intended as an expansion of Ziegler Reservoir, was a lakebed in ancient times.

As snow continues to fall in the high country, the excavation will be shut down for the winter. Good skiing conditions are poor conditions for excavating ancient mammals. Bones excavated to date will be transported to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for storage. Special care is required to prevent the bones from shattering as they dry.

Garden visitors

2010-11-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Denver Botanic Gardens plays host to interesting guests. Last year dinosaurs visited. Right now, you’ll find Henry Moore sculptures. They’ll be on exhibit until the end of January. I had the opportunity to visit the gardens tonight. Night lighting accentuates contrasts, lending the sculptures a starker appearance than they have when seen in daylight.

The recently renovated Marnie’s Pavilion has re-opened, along with the new Orangery and greenhouses. The pavilion displays orchids and other plants in a near-natural setting. On the second floor, jets of mist bath the botany, reminding visitors of gentle rains.

Moving Water

2010-11-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

Water is the theme on display at the Art Students League of Denver until December 20. The exhibit features mixed media work by 42 of the league’s members, faculty and students.

Water in motion is strikingly captured three of the works. Leona Lazar puts water in motion with her ceramic fountain, titled, “Pools.” Beth Eller and Jan Burch use oil to make water move on canvas.

As Burch’s “Koi” swim, the water around them ripples. Life cannot be separated from the environment which sustains it. The two are one.

Eller depicts drops hitting water in her “Rain Shadows.” Her painting also depicts the water’s displacement as if viewed through narrow panes of glass.

The exhibit explores a common theme without tiring its viewers. Each artist on exhibit brings a unique viewpoint to the overall water theme.

Taiwan Folk Arts Museum

2010-09-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Taiwan Folk Arts Museum was once the Koyama Hotel and Hot Spring. It also served as a Japanese officer’s club during the Second World War. Today the building and grounds have been restored to pristine condition and serve as beautiful examples of early twentieth century Japanese architecture.

The attractive two story structure hosts revolving folk art themed exhibits. We viewed a collection of embroidered baby carriers from southwest China. The mothers who made these carriers believed that the carriers took on aspects of her child’s spirit through long use. After the babies had outgrown them, mothers kept the carriers to remind themselves of the babies they’d raised. As treasured heirlooms, these carriers were rarely sold, but if sold, the ornamentation was generally removed prior to the sale. The fancy embroidery and trim was intact on the rare carriers displayed in this exhibit.

The Taiwan Folk Arts Museum is located at 32 Youya Road, in Taipei’s Beitou District. The 230 bus can take you there from either the Beitou or Xinbetou MRT stations. Their phone number is 2891-2318.

Other attractions within walking distance include: the eerie view at Hell (or Thermal) Valley, the historic Beitou Hot Springs Museum, and public bathing at Millennium Hot Spring.

Buffalo Bill's Western Roundup

2010-09-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Admission was free this afternoon at the Buffalo Bill Museum on Lookout Mountain just west of Golden, Colorado. BB’s Western Roundup included several outdoor events including 19^th century music provided by the Highline Silver Cornet Band, a cannon fired by Union troops, demonstrations of period crafts, and several authors. Annie Oakley (played by Barbara Melfi) was on hand to tell stories from her career and demonstrate sharp shooting.

Inside the museum I learned the history of William F. Cody (1846-1917) who became known as Buffalo Bill. Often maligned for the near extinction of the buffalo, Cody only supplied meat to the railroad for 17 months. It was only after the railroad was completed that the buffalo were over-hunted. Buffalo Bill later advocated for the preservation of buffalo.

Author, Ned Buntline, interviewed Cody before writing a dime novel titled, “Buffalo Bill, King of the Border Men.” When Bill and his wife attended a New York play based on Buntline’s novel, the audience gave him a standing ovation. Bill began to think about making a living as a performer and eventually staged shows which played in major American cities and Europe.

He enjoyed a long period of success, especially in 1893 when he performed at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. However, the show’s assets were seized in Denver in July of 1913 because he was delinquent on a loan. He died poor a few years later.

In addition to historical information and artifacts, the museum contains an extensive collection of period show posters.

The Buffalo Bill Museum is located at 987 ½ Lookout Mountain Road, just north of the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Its phone number is (303) 526-0744.

Keelung Indigenous Cultural Hall

2010-08-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Taiwan’s indigenous people are the descendents of early residents of Fukien China who crossed the Taiwan Strait six thousand years ago. The Keelung Indigenous Cultural Hall is a modest, yet cheerfully sunlit building located near the bridge to Heping Dao (Peace Island).

The museum displays examples of aboriginal buildings, clothing, art and artifacts. The top floor leads out on to a plaza featuring additional carved artwork, a suspension bridge, paths, and a fine view of the Pacific Ocean.

The Rock

2010-03-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Peter Blume’s painting, “The Rock” is one of my favorites at The Art Institute of Chicago. Some have concluded that this painting symbolizes hopeful renewal in a postwar or post-apocalyptic world. At first glance, this makes sense; however, I viewed this painting recently and came to darker conclusions.

That destruction has occurred and renewal is occurring is clear from the ruined building on the right and the construction on the left. The trees in the background possibly lack leaves because of the season, but the shirtless workers in the foreground suggest warmer weather. I think the forest experienced a recent fire, perhaps the same fire that destroyed the building on the right.

Though the painting’s right and left sides create its general theme, what is occurring in its middle is less clear. The woman on the left side of the rock is reverently patting the soil beneath the rock in an attempt to stabilize its foundation. The man on its right could be working to restore the rock’s foundation, but he could also be destroying it. The workers supplying shaped stones for the construction on the painting’s left side suggest that the man with the shovel is removing the soil and stone which support the rock.

What about the rock itself? Does it actually represent hopefulness, or does it represent decay and futility instead? Only one figure in the painting is capable of giving birth, and this woman seems determined to preserve the rock’s foundation. There’s an animal skeleton directly above her, a symbol of death and decay. The grass next to the rock is dried and dying and the roots beneath it are dead and detached. Even the red blooms are not those of flowers, but of fungus, a plant which thrives on decay.

The woman’s efforts to keep the rock from falling are futile — the rock is already dead. A closer look reveals that it is not formed from enduring material such as marble or granite, but of decaying organic matter. For the rock is a watermelon, split, overripe and rotting. There’s no future here. Ultimately civilization cannot be rebuilt. It is destined to crumble and rot.

For an overview of Peter Blume’s work, click this link.

Train your family

2010-02-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

If you’re seeking an activity that kids and grown-ups can enjoy together, Golden’s Colorado Train Museum is the place to go. Its main building features a reconstructed telegraph office, artifacts and photographs. Small children are enthralled by the working HO scale railroad layout in the basement.

Stretch your legs on the 15 acre grounds where railroad engines, cars and equipment are displayed. While you’re there, enjoy the garden railroad.

The museum is located at 17155 W. 44th Avenue in Golden, Colorado. Special pricing is available for family admissions. Children under two are free. Phone the museum at (303) 279-4591 or (800) 365-6263

Yes, it’s bouncy—but is it art?

2010-01-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Maybe that’s a meaningless question. A friend of mine once argued that all art is nothing but entertainment. Could be, but then what is entertainment?

In any case, Tobias Rehberger’s 2009 installation of bungee cords, plaster, wood and steel is certainly entertaining. Named after the authors of “The Ants,” “Bert Hölldobler and Edward O. Wilson in the rain,” engages visitors’ tactile, as well as visual, senses.

During my recent visit to Denver Art Museum a small, but steady, crowd of visitors lined up for their turns to walk through the bungee maze. Most visitors exited with looks of delight, though at least one visitor fought a sense of claustrophobia while traversing the work.

Moctezuma at the British Museum, London

2009-10-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

Home to the Rosetta Stone and the hotly contested Elgin Marbles, the British Museum is one of the world’s great museums and currently playing host to a fascinating exhibit re-examining the life of Montezuma, last ruler of the Aztecs.

The Moctezuma exhibit (correct Aztec spelling) focuses on political and military power, along with an exploration of the history between the ruler of the Aztec empire from 1502-1520, and his relationship with Hernando Cortes, the Spanish and the fall of the pre-Conquest era of Latin America.

The goal is to tell the story of Montezuma’s downfall from a new perspective, not through a western lens, but rather through the lens of those who followed him, and had even considered him a semi-divine being.

The exhibit at the British Museum, on until January 24, 2010, includes pieces of Aztec art rarely seen outside of Mexico, including a turquoise double-headed serpent and sculptures which contain basins where human hearts were placed after sacrifice.

Whether the show’s lofty goal of ‘rehabilitating Montezuma’ is reached or not, the British Museum’s Moctezuma exhibit most definitely adds new life to the fascinating history of one of the world’s greatest rulers.

Founded in 1753, The British Museum remains today a must-see attraction when visiting Britain, home to one of the finest collections spanning two million years of human history and access to the 75,000 m2 collection is absolutely free. Exhibits like the Moctuzuma exhibit do cost, but there are often deals available through lastminute.com or daysoutguide.co. uk.

Dinosaurs in the gardens and other delights

2009-08-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Prehistoric creatures lurk in the Denver Botanic Gardens—at least until September 30. Luckily, these life size models won’t eat you, and if you are observant, you can learn about the plants they once ate. The Daspletosaur, in the picture, is a member of the tyrannosaur family. He seems right at home terrorizing Anna’s Overlook. Those are Apatosaurus bones at the base of the overlook.

Once the dinosaurs are gone, there will still be plenty to see at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The Water Garden features more than 450 species of aquatic plants. Several were in bloom during my visit on August 20.

Just past the Water Garden you’ll walk into the Japanese Garden. The Ponderosa pines, which came from Roosevelt National Forest, have been shaped and pruned in the Japanese fashion. The Japanese Garden was designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana in 1979, and features a teahouse imported from Japan.

Stroll through June’s PlantAsia to enjoy the complex bark shades on the Lacebark pines and the cool lushness of a small bamboo grove.

Of course, the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is not to be missed. Its three levels provide a view of rainforest from canopy on down. A terrarium on display on the top level features several poison tree frogs. These tiny, but deadly, amphibians obtain their poison through their diet. Because they currently consume a modified diet, the frogs on display are no longer poisonous. Tree frog tadpoles are reared in water-filled bromeliads, such as the one in the center of the terrarium.
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Shiva Dances

2009-08-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

This bronze Shiva, in the Denver Art Museum, had its origins in India in the 1100s during the Chola Dynasty. It depicts the god in his aspect of Nataraj or “Lord of Dance.” This representation of Shiva can be interpreted in several ways. According to one interpretation, Shiva is dancing the destruction of the universe. As his movements quicken, fire and earthquakes consume creation. The god Brahma then awakens and recreates the universe.

Another interpretation is that Shiva dances to release men from illusion. Shiva’s right foot, planted in victory on a figure symbolizing human ignorance, represents his embodiment. His left foot, held aloft, represents release. His raised right hand holds a drum, which represents creation. His other right hand is held in a gesture meaning, “be not fearful.” One of his left hands holds fire, representing destruction.

All activity within the universe—every birth, every death—originates from Shiva, and is signified by the arch of flames, which surrounds him. The lotus base represents the creative forces within the universe.

Shiva dances to free men from illusion. The dance takes place at the center of the universe, which is also located within the human heart.

Click for custom gifts

References:
Denver Art Museum exhibit notes

"Nataraja." In the Encyclopædia Britannica 2006 Ultimate Reference Suite DVD 21. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2006.

Subhamoy Das. Nataraj: The Dancing Shiva. About.com, http://hinduism.about.com/od/lordshiva/p/nataraj.htm (accessed August 22, 2009)

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Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum

2009-08-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

They really know their geology at the Colorado School of Mines. And a tour of the Geology Museum proves it. Its two floors house a magnificent collection of mineral specimens, including a cluster of amethyst crystals, a clear quartz crystal, a topaz and an opal—each as big as your head. There are specimens of silver, copper, lead and gold ores as well, including one specimen of gold wire in matrix.

The view from the upstairs window looks out upon the Front Range. Watch the video to learn about its geological features. Alternatively, learn more about geology first hand by hiking the geological trail directly behind the museum. The trail features some of the fossils for which this area is known.

The ground floor of the museum features a model uranium mine, which includes a display of florescent minerals. There is also an exhibit on radioactivity, a collection of specimens found locally on Golden’s South Table Mountain, and a gift shop. Collectors will appreciate the gift shop’s variety of mineral specimens.

Visit the museum between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or on Sunday between 1:00 pm and 4:00 p.m.

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Palace Visit

2009-08-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

If you just can’t get enough Chinese art, the National Palace Museum, in Taipei, Taiwan, is the place for you. The museum is reputed to house the largest collection of Chinese art anywhere assembled. If you visit, you won’t see everything in a day—not even in many days. Much of the art is stored in vast caves within Yang Ming Mountain.

Items in the collection are frequently rotated onto display. According to one source, if you were to visit once each season, it would take you close to twelve years to view the entire collection. If you can’t spare the time to take everything in, try their website for more bite-size portions.

Charles Parson at Foothills Art Center

2009-07-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Foothills Art Center occupies two buildings on the corner of 15th and Washington in Golden, Colorado. Entrance to the two well-lit galleries of Foothills II is free; however, you will need to pay a modest fee to visit the main building. That building, built in 1872 as a church, is set behind a tranquil sculpture garden.

The focus of my visit was the sculpture and drawings of Charles Parson, on exhibit until August 2, 2009. In addition to a large sculpture displayed in the garden, the exhibit includes a number of wall-mounted sculptures and drawings, and a chapel installation consisting of five pieces.

A partial re-creation of Parson’s studio is central to the exhibit. It provides insight into the artist’s process of reducing drawn landscapes into their primary diagonal, horizontal and vertical lines use in his sculptures. Drawings of strong landscapes rendered in soft lines become the basis sculptures consisting of lines, angles and plains.

The chapel installation, titled “Sabi 2009,” is reminiscent of the Japanese phrase, “wabi-sabi,” which combines the ideas of transience and stillness. Parson invites you to enter one of the four “framed spaces” where you will hear footsteps passing through one of four environments. The fifth “framed space” allows the visitor the opportunity to meditate his own internal world. (Paraphrased from installation description.)

Foothills Art Center is open Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

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Remember the 20th Century? Lakewood does.

2009-07-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

L akewood's Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving its memory. The museum, occupying 18 acres, hosts a number of 20th century structures, including a 1920s country school, a 1930s farmhouse and a 1940s diner among others.

An art deco styled building, once located on Alameda near Federal, was acquired by Lakewood in 1998 and relocated to its Heritage Center. Gil and Ethel Gomez used the building for many years as a barbershop and beauty salon. Today, the rear part of the building displays 1960s furniture and fixtures from Ethel’s beauty salon. Five-and-dime store items from the 1950s are displayed in the front of the building.

In addition to its gift shop and meeting room, the Visitors Center also houses two galleries. One is dedicated to Lakewood history from prior to 1900 to its incorporation as a city in 1969. The other gallery generally exhibits items from the museum’s 20th century collection—on occasion it exhibits contemporary art.

Visit the galleries and enjoy a self-guided museum walking tour for free, or take a guided tour for a moderate cost. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Call ahead (303.987.7850) to learn about special events and concerts.

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High atop Triceratops Trail

2009-07-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

If you’re in the area, pay a visit to Golden. Situated between high mountains and grassy plains, Golden is a new-fangled town with old-timely roots.

Traveling west from Denver along Highway Six (also known as 6th Avenue), you’ll pass the Jefferson County courthouse. Not far beyond, 19th Street will take you into downtown Golden.

But don’t go there just yet, because 6th and 19th is a very interesting intersection. If you take a left here, 19th will put you on Lookout Mountain Road (also known as Lariat Loop Road). If you’ve always wanted to drive your own roller coaster, this is the road for you. On the other hand, Gringo, there are easier ways to get into the mountains.

But, you came to look at dinosaur tracks, so take a right, rather than a left, on 19th Street. Turn right once more on Jones Road, just before the car dealership. Triceratops Trail begins parallel to 6th Avenue and looks down upon Fossil Trace Golf Course.

It’s a short trail, about half a mile, steep in spots, but not too steep. The deep trenches along the trail once contained clay before it was quarried. What remains is sandstone—sandstone containing impressions of triceratops traffic and ancient plant life. These impressions are known as trace fossils. Fossils of bones or other body parts are called body fossils. In addition to triceratops footprints, fossils of palm fronds and animal tracks can be seen.

What’s black, white and blue, and belongs in a museum?

2009-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

I recently paid a visit to the Coors Mineral Hall. at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. There I encountered the reconstructed Diane’s Pocket. This is a dazzling display of aquamarine, black quartz and white feldspar. If you can’t visit in person, you can click the image for a larger view.

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