Amsterdam is as lively–and enjoyably shocking–as ever. The old standbys (Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum) have reopened after closures for renovations, and there are some new joys for sightseers.
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4 Replies to “What’s New in Amsterdam”
What are your favorite modern art museum experiences in Europe?
I enjoyed a couple things about my recent visit to the Reina Sofia, the modern art museum in Madrid.
It was moving to see Pablo Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece “Guernica.” The complexity of the symbolism and the style is captivating. The monumental size of “Guernica” adds to its power.
Next to “Guernica” in a display case were some old papers and programs from the work’s history are held. An old program from the Art Institute of Chicago means that “Guernica” was once displayed in Chicago. It was a heartening thought that such a great work of art was once shown in my home town.
Finally, it was fascinating that the Reina Sofia building is an adaptive reuse. The structure that once housed a hospital is now an art museum.
Regarding Amsterdam’s Red Light District: Aw, the area brings back fond memories of my first trip to Europe in the 70’s. I had planned to stay at a Youth Hostel, but after checking it out, I decided it was way to rowdy for my tastes. So, I cruised around and found, on a quiet little side street, the Christian Youth Hostel. Ah bliss. I stowed my knapsack and went exploring the city. When I returned to the area way after dark I discovered my quiet little refuge was smack dab in the middle of the red light district. While walking to the hostel by myself, I was a bit surprised to see all of the “window displays” and I got quite a few unusual looks. By the time I arrived at the hostel, my cheeks were as red as the surrounding window lights. Before being “exposed” to the area, I did not even know there was a red light district. What a surprise. Remembering that experience now is one of the funniest and most memorable events of my trip.
just watched a RS show and my husband and I both feel he spends WAY too much time walking around museums commenting on individual paintings and statues. A very brief summary of the most famous things in each museum would be sufficient as the artsy people will know what he’s talking about and the rest don’t care. We would rather he highlight more of whatever area he’s in has to offer- major festivals, foods it’s noted for, maybe even going to TI for help in getting a “Back door” room as his books have gotten away from them because the hoards with his books can’t all get in the small places any more.That said I do like his style and shows!
Unfortunately, I had a little too much Space Cake when I journeyed through the Red Light District on the Best of Belgium/Holland tour. Another Rick Steves tourmate and I decided to take pictures NEAR the Red Light District, but not IN the Red Light District. I think that the Space Cake made me quite paranoid through this STILL seedy district.
What are your favorite modern art museum experiences in Europe?
I enjoyed a couple things about my recent visit to the Reina Sofia, the modern art museum in Madrid.
It was moving to see Pablo Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece “Guernica.” The complexity of the symbolism and the style is captivating. The monumental size of “Guernica” adds to its power.
Next to “Guernica” in a display case were some old papers and programs from the work’s history are held. An old program from the Art Institute of Chicago means that “Guernica” was once displayed in Chicago. It was a heartening thought that such a great work of art was once shown in my home town.
Finally, it was fascinating that the Reina Sofia building is an adaptive reuse. The structure that once housed a hospital is now an art museum.
Regarding Amsterdam’s Red Light District: Aw, the area brings back fond memories of my first trip to Europe in the 70’s. I had planned to stay at a Youth Hostel, but after checking it out, I decided it was way to rowdy for my tastes. So, I cruised around and found, on a quiet little side street, the Christian Youth Hostel. Ah bliss. I stowed my knapsack and went exploring the city. When I returned to the area way after dark I discovered my quiet little refuge was smack dab in the middle of the red light district. While walking to the hostel by myself, I was a bit surprised to see all of the “window displays” and I got quite a few unusual looks. By the time I arrived at the hostel, my cheeks were as red as the surrounding window lights. Before being “exposed” to the area, I did not even know there was a red light district. What a surprise. Remembering that experience now is one of the funniest and most memorable events of my trip.
just watched a RS show and my husband and I both feel he spends WAY too much time walking around museums commenting on individual paintings and statues. A very brief summary of the most famous things in each museum would be sufficient as the artsy people will know what he’s talking about and the rest don’t care. We would rather he highlight more of whatever area he’s in has to offer- major festivals, foods it’s noted for, maybe even going to TI for help in getting a “Back door” room as his books have gotten away from them because the hoards with his books can’t all get in the small places any more.That said I do like his style and shows!
Unfortunately, I had a little too much Space Cake when I journeyed through the Red Light District on the Best of Belgium/Holland tour. Another Rick Steves tourmate and I decided to take pictures NEAR the Red Light District, but not IN the Red Light District. I think that the Space Cake made me quite paranoid through this STILL seedy district.