There are apples and there are apples. While almost every city in the world lays claim to a great art gallery, there are very few that are globally recognized and famous. People, art lovers, historians and the commoners all flock to these art galleries travelling all across the world just to see some of the master pieces that these galleries house.
Probably the most famous art gallery in the world is 'The Louvre' in Paris. The most famous piece of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo Da Vinci. This famous painting is kept under high security as it tops the list of art thieves the world over. The Louvre also houses many other famous paintings by Da Vinci and hundreds of other famous artists.
In New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a premier location for beautiful art masterpieces. The art gallery has an amazing collection of American paintings that will stun and impress any visitor. There are also paintings and statues housed there from all over the world, including many famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and El Greco.
The National Gallery in London England is another amazing art gallery. It houses some of the most fantastic examples of European art, including paintings by Raphael, Manet, Da Vinci, Renoir, and Monet. The sheer number of paintings makes this gallery a must see for any art aficionado. Several of the most notable paintings here are (1) Sunflowers, by Vincent van Gogh, (2) The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo Da Vinci, and (3) Venus and Mars, by Sandro Botticelli.
Other than the traditional art galleries found all over the world that house the old greats, there are many that focus on the contemporary arts of the twentieth century. The George Pompidou Center in Paris is one of the most famous contemporary art galleries and museums in the world. Even the building itself is totally contemporary, with all the ducts and piping on the outside.
The modern art galleries and museums often show furniture, sound, light, and musical exhibitions. They also feature the usually seen paintings, drawings, and prints. When you visit one of the newer galleries, you will definitely notice how times have changed over the decades, as reflected by the art.
Each major metropolitan center in Europe houses a traditional national art gallery, a contemporary gallery, and usually many art galleries - some of these may be private. While most national galleries concentrate on exhibits of art from the history of their country, these can be of great learning value in understanding the culture of the land. A visit to this assortment of art galleries is a must do for every art lover.
If you plan on buying some art pieces, you won't be able to do so at the national galleries. You can however visit private galleries in your pursuit of owning some major works. These probably won't include Renoir's or Van Gogh's, but you will find many wonderful pieces that you'll be able to call your own. Art auctions are often held at Christie's and other art houses. This is another way of obtaining some incredible works of art.
Art as an expression of our culture, thought process and creativity has no parallel. Viewing these masterpieces in an art gallery transposes the viewer into the mind and time of the creator who has shaped our culture.
Think of the Netherlands and there are several things that come to mind that one just HAS to see when visiting the country. These aspects include tulips, windmills, clogs and canals visions of all these are all automatically inspired when thinking of this region. The aspect of the windmill, or 'molen' as it is known in Dutch, is a common and popular feature in the Netherlands. They even have a National Windmill Day on 11th May. On this day and also on some other festive days or events, it is often customary to see the windmills dressed up for the special occasion.
Windmills of Amsterdam
Although travelers usually expect to view sites of windmills all over the Netherlands, it may come as a surprise to many tourists that there are actually 8 windmills within the city of Amsterdam. This may also be a surprising fact to some locals as well.
The De Otter windmill is unfortunately now closed to the public, even though until recently it was open. This particular windmill has suffered difficulties in operating as a regular mill due to the passage of air being blocked by surrounding neighborhoods.
Molen Van Sloten
The van Sloten windmill can be found on the outskirts of Amsterdam. This windmill was built in the 19th century and is still in use today. This mill is used to drain the surrounding polder land. This attraction is open to visitors daily between the hours of 10am and 4pm. It is worthwhile checking that your visit to Amsterdam will not fall on a public holiday or on the day of a special event, in which case the mill may be closed to the public. A special lift has been built inside the mill so that the site can be accessible to all visitors, including the disabled and the elderly.
This mill has been declared as a house of municipality which means that weddings may take place at this location. Most people would have to admit that this sounds like a special and unique spot for a marriage ceremony. A visit to the Molen van Sloten will certainly provide the visitor with an insight to Dutch tradition and heritage.
Now that you have an idea of one particular site that is worth visiting while in Amsterdam, the time has come to find out details regarding accommodation for your vacation or short break. The great thing is that all this may be arranged over the Internet. Thanks to technological advances, one may study the available tourist sites in Amsterdam and check out the various hotels, hostels and vacation rooms that are available in the requested area. You may choose and finalize a form of lodging to suit your budget online and all this information is available at your fingertips.
Tulips, windmills the touch of a button and you could be on your way to Amsterdam.
Both Clair Jons & Gaizka Pujana are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Clair Jons has sinced written about articles on various topics from Museum Guide, Travel and Leisure and Writing. About the author: Clair Jons is the your host at , a fantastic website to visit if you're looking for accurate up to date advice and discussion about Art. For questions o. Clair Jons's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Gaizka Pujana has sinced written about articles on various topics from Barcelona Holidays, Family Travel and Culture and Society. Gaizka Pujana is the owner and manager of Get Ready Rentals. The short term holiday accommodation specialists worldwide. . Gaizka Pujana's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.