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Over the summer I managed to spend a couple of days at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This is one of my happy places. Somewhere that is guaranteed to make me smile.
As soon as I walk through the doors I can feel tensions lift. I walk a little taller, my shoulders relax, my brow unfurrows.
As I wander, through rooms I have visited many times, I am calm. The stresses and strains of the day to day disappear. It is comfortable, and comforting.
The MFA has a massive collection; from Ancient Egyptian artefacts to contemporary sculpture, from classical painting to abstract art. It is simply wonderful.
There are, of course, the rooms that I visit every time; the Egyptian mummies, the American Wing for Sargent and Pollock, the European rooms with Monet and Degas, the Buddhist Temple. Then, I always make time to visit something different; discover a new artist or a new collection, or rediscover an exhibit that I haven’t visited for a while.
This summer I visited with my cousin and with my mother. These visits were quite different.
My mother and I have spent a lot of time in the MFA. So, we have our must-sees and often follow a well worn path through the museum. Although on this occasion we went off-route and discovered some wonderful pieces that we had never seen before!
Visiting with my cousin was like visiting for the first time again. I was able to see the galleries through her eyes; to appreciate them with a fresh perspective. I took her to see my favorites, of course, but we tried to visit as much of the gallery as possible. This took us on a whistle stop tour of a large part of the collection. It was fantastic. I saw some completely new (to me) exhibits. We also visited some forgotten gems, and I had the great pleasure of watching someone else fall in love with one of my favorite places.
I adore visiting galleries. So, spending an afternoon in the MFA looking at beautiful paintings, interesting installations, delicate glassware, amazing sculptures or incredible ancient artefacts is pretty much a perfect afternoon for me. Aside from a fabulous family day out, of course.
As a Member I could pop in for a hour and just visit my absolute favorites. Have a cup of tea overlooking the courtyard or sitting amongst the artwork in the Contemporary Wing. Visit a temporary exhibition. Sadly, the reality of day to day life means that this doesn’t happen often.
But, when I do get to visit, it is magical. It is time just for me, that I can spend surrounded by something I love. When I can relax, think things through, or not think at all.
It is time to be inspired and energised; and leave feeling restored and revitalised.
Where is your happy place; where do you go to recharge?
This is one place I’ve always wanted to visit. You mentioned two of my favourite artists; Pollock & Monet. I can just imagine how peaceful and serene it is. Great post #whatsthestory
You would love it Cathie, it’s wonderful x
I also love spending a day at a museum, especially visiting new museums while on vacation. I know a lot of my friends and even travel partners see that as a “boring” way to spend a vacation but I always find it so inspiring. your photographs from this visit are just stunning by the way.
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Thank you, I find it really inspiring and I always visit galleries, wherever I go :)
This is what I miss about living in the city. Walking into museums, bookshops without having to make it a day-trip. Someday, who knows it may even be soon? We will move back into the chaotic mess of the city! :) #whatsthestory.
That’s a slightly cryptic comment, changes afoot?! I think we have the best of both worlds, we’re out of the city, but only 20 mins by train from the city centre :)
I do like visiting museums, though like you, it’s a rare thing these days. For me, I love castles and old houses, or of course, bookshops :)
I do love old houses, and bookshops :) But it’s the art work that really does it for me x
What beautiful pictures. I crave a bit of culture actually and should make more time for myself to do something like this (maybe not in Boston – I wosh!) #whatsthestory
It is a lovely way to spend a few hours, absorbed in something completely different x
Looks like a beautiful museum. Though I love the recharging power of the sea I do miss the culture in London! So many great museums and galleries there too… If all goes to plan Arthur and I will be spending a week in the city in October, and I’m really looking forward to broadening his cultural horizons a little :) x
Oh, I love the sea too, and the Tate, really I have several happy places, but the MFA is high on the list :)
Wow I can see why this is your happy place, it looks amazing to wander about and get lost in. I’d love to just look at all the art work and sculptures for ages. Hmm I do like a bit of the Trafford centre but London used to be my absolute happy place, just wandering about the different landmarks. I need to make a trip there soon I think :)
London is a wonderful place to just wander around, when you don’t have to rush to be somewhere.
What a wonderful place to visit and have as your happy place. I think I’d happily while away a few hours in there too by the looks of it :)
It is a wonderful gallery, such a wide variety of exhibits, something for everyone :)
I’ve been lucky enough to visit the MFA a couple of times and yes, it is a fabulous place to go. Have you ever been to The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem? Although smaller, it’s also one of my favourites.
I have been to the Peabody Essex Museum, it’s lovely, such a gorgeous space. I had the kids with me though…. Need to go back and see it properly on my own :)
Ahh this sounds just wonderful!
I feel relaxed just reading about it :)
We will be seeing Buddhist temples when we go to Sri Lanka this Christmas and I can not wait!!! X
Oh, that will be fabulous! The MFA has a quiet room with half a dozen different Buddhas, it’s a wonderfully calm and relaxing spot in the museum, I always go and sit for five minutes and contemplate x
How lucky you are to have somewhere nearby like this! Always so lovely to find a gem that just feels like this :) Gorgeous photographs too Sara – well done x x
Thank you Suzanne, it is a wonderful gallery, just wish I could visit more often x
Beautiful photos – it is lovely to visit a place you love with someone who is not familiar with it and see it again through their eyes. I love visiting castles and cathedrals – love the sense of history and the serenity that is found inside a beautiful cathedral.
I do find cathedrals incredibly serene; such peace.
What a lovely post. I am glad the fresh eyes gave you a new perspective. Sounds such a lovely place.
Thank you Joy, it was wonderful to show someone new around x
Totally loved Boston when we visited many moons ago. We made it to the kick off of the American Football season (amazing!) but never made it to the museum – would SO love to visit as museums and galleries are definitely on my list of happy places. Lovely post with gorgeous photos x
Thanks Michelle, the MFA is definitely worth a visit :)
This sounds wonderful! I haven’t gotten the chance to visit many art museums as I used to be the only one in my family who enjoyed them. My daughter is an art major in college now though and I told her to pick one she wants to see in NYC when we’re there later this year. I’m looking forward to experiencing that with her!
Oh, I went to the Guggenheim (fabulous building, exhibitions… meh!) and MoMA (just fabulous!) when I was in New York. Next time I visit I want to do the Met… Look forward to seeing where you end up going :)
Looks like a lovely place to take some time out.
I suppose my place would be somewhere as simple as a coffee shop with my kindle or tablet. Not very exciting, but just one of those places you don’t get to go alone once you’ve got children.
I have to say, I do enjoy sitting in a café alone!
Very jealous! The only time I’ve made it up to London by myself since having kids I ducked into The National Gallery – so calming :)
I do find it very calming, love The National Gallery, but The Tate is my favourite :)
I used to love visiting the Royal Albert museum in Exeter (where I grew up) when I was a child and as a teenager I would quite often visit on my lonesome. I used to find it fascinating. Unfortunately I haven’t visited a museum for quite some time as we don’t have a local one.
My happy place has to be outside, either walking the dogs up the fields or on the beach. I find it totally relaxing and always come back feeling happy and lifted.
Walking on the beach is wonderful, it certainly does lift the spirits x
How wonderful to have this amazing place to visit! I love the way you’ve described your experience of it and how it changes (and stays the same!). I really must visit another gallery soon – I just don’t know how I’d get away from the children long enough! X #brilliantblogposts
Yes, it’s definitely something to do without the children, although we have had very fun trips with the kids too :)
LOVE the photos on this post! Sounds like a wonderful day out too, mine would love this :) x x x
Thank you, it’s such a fabulous place, and we have taken the kids and have a lovely day out, they really enjoy it :)
I wish we have something like this here then it’ll be my happy place. #magicmoments
I just know you would love it Merlinda x
oh wow i would totally love to visit Sara!! what a fantastic place to live near x
thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments