Unique European museums
While we will occasionally talk about museums as sights to visit while on particular trips, today we’ll be starting a bit of a trend in which we talk about museums as the main reason for a trip and we’ll check out some unique European museums first, with more to come in future articles.
London – Bank of England Museum
This institution has been standing for over three hundred years and amongst the artifacts celebrating that age you’ll find coins, banknotes, ledgers, scales, calculators, as well as painting and photographs. There are even some weapons which were used to defend the banks precious contents from before the days of high-tech security systems.
Paris – Musee du Carnavalet
The Musee du Carnavalet is housed in an elegant mansion located in the Marais district, with it being dedicated to the City of Light’s history and evolution. It starts with prehistoric artifacts from the region’s earliest inhabitants, an ornate 18th-century salon or posters advertising the Folies-Bergeres from the 19th century. This is a great way of better understanding ‘la vie parisienne’.
Rome – Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
This 17ht-century palace was the residend of the Dorias, one of Italy’s oldest and most prominent families. The Palazzo is a study in splendor and opulence, featuring a gilt and marble gallery and damask-draped apartments. What truly captivates one’s attention however, is the private art collection which adorns the walls. This is where you can find something akin to a Who’s Who of European art history, including names such as Caravaggio, Rafale, Claude Lorrain, Bernini, Velazquez and Titian.
Amsterdam – Rembrandt House Museum
This is the best place to go in order to get a deeper understanding of the great artist, with the museum revealing a much more personal side of the artist in the building where he actually lived from 1639 to 1658. You’ll see etching of his wife, of everyday life, wry self portraits and serene Dutch landscapes.
Zagreb – Museum of Broken Relationships
This museum is the brainchild of an artist couple who parted ways and needed an outlet in which to express their sorrow. The museum features a collection of keepsakes from around the planet, ranging from plush toys given as Valentine’s Day presents, to a wedding dress and even an axe one man used to destroy an ex-lover’s furniture.
