On a trip to NYC, one of my must sees was MoMA. If you are unsure of what MoMA stands for it is The Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan. Before visiting NYC, I did some research to find the best collection for me, of Monet paintings. I love Monet. Where the MET has over 30 pieces in their Monet collection, it was the massive 3-panel Water Lilly display that was my deciding factor.
My sister, who was my traveling companion, was a trouper. An art museum was not on her top things to do, but she bore with me and off we went. It was a cold rainy day so perfect for the museum.
When we arrived, there was the process of actually getting in to the museum. There were hundreds of people moving about and for a couple of country girls, it was a little overwhelming. But hey, we had conquered the NYC subway by this time, so we were ready to face the challenge of MoMA.
We got our listening devices that would help us with an audio description and history of the incredible works of art we were about to discover.
One of the first displays we were to see was the 32 canvas Campbell's Soup Cans, art produced in 1962 by Andy Warhol. Impressive. We all know the work of Andy Warhol, even if you are not aware that it was created by the artist. The multi color collage of Marylyn Monroe that has inspired a movement, was created by Andy Warhol. As we viewed the wall of Campbell's Soup Cans, we knew we were in for an adventurous afternoon of art.
We got past the soup cans and we were met by room after room of fabulous art. Paintings, photos, sculptures, illustrations, jewelry, furniture, even a helicopter suspended above the floor. it was truly a dream come true to see. Through the adventures, I discovered Gustav Klimt’s Adele Bloch-Bauer II, and the tragic story of the journey this painting and the sister painting Adele Bloch-Baure I (Lady in Gold) through Nazi Germany. I was astounded by the large exhibit of Pablo Picasso and I will admit I was amused with Barrnett Neman's Vir Heroicus Sublimis, 1950-51.
But my goal was the Monets. As I rounded that corner to enter the room where I would find Water Lillies, I was not prepared for what I saw and felt. Over 40 feet of sheer beauty. I don't think I took a breath for a few moments as I took it in. At that moment, I connected with not only something deep within me, but with my mom, who also loved Monet. Part of my dream had been for her and I to see a Monet together but her passing several years ago laid that dream to rest. But here I was now, seeing for the first time, the master strokes that created this awe inspiring vision. I don't know how long I stood, sat and walked about just taking it all in, but to this day, it is a memory that inspires me to be more.
The rest of our afternoon was a blast. My sister and I talked about what we were seeing both inspired and amused, and we bonded over what we saw and experienced.
Our New York experience was wonderful. We did the regular tourist things and we got off the beaten path. Those stories are for a different time. I highly recommend a trip to NYC that includes one or more of the incredible museums the city has to offer. Do some research and when you talk to your travel professional, make sure they know to add the museums into your itinerary.
LOOOOVE THIS! I haven't made it to MoMA yet! I love the up-close photo of the brushstrokes. <3 There's something so amazing about standing in front of an original. There's a depth and texture that just isn't well translated in a print. Thank you for sharing!!!!