Photo: Nina Heyn
By Nina Heyn – Your Culture Scout
Comprehensive and large-scope art museums tend to be those created in centuries past, such as the Louvre in the 18th century and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the “Met”) in the 19th century. Their function was to provide the inhabitants of big cities with collections that were educational, displaying fine art but also historical artifacts and, sometimes, stuffed exotic animals (think Smithsonian), collections of old weapons, medieval manuscripts, or early photography.
Dear Nina, I simply must recommend the book Exposing the Expositions by
Howdie Mickowski. It is jaw dropping and has a particular focus on the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, IL year 1872. I heard Tom Cowan and friends podcast interview #59 with Howdie a few months back – was so intrigued I got the book Exposing the Expositions. Bottom line is this museum is far older than presumed – along with many other sop called white cities in the world
Called white due to the natural color of the stone…..and who was Columbia?
A mythical female who stood for LIBERTY. Washington DC (District of Columbia)? Huh?…
Yes, fascinating book.
So wonderful!!
Thank you!
Museum of my childhood, which I still think is the best. The lions are better than any comfort food when I am weary. Thank you for the showcase.
This was great! My parents took us often when we were school aged. I have such beautiful memories of our visits. Now it is time to take my children there!
Beautiful and enlightening! Thank you so much. I am now plotting a trip to Chicago.