Bilbao, the largest city of the Spanish Basque country, bordered by the Bay of Biscay to the North and sitting on the banks of the delightful river Nervion, is a location with many faces. Until you have actually stepped foot into the city, as I did last week, you won’t even realize that you could […]
Shopping for Contemporary Design in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a veritable mecca for design aficionados. From modernist classics to cutting-edge conversation pieces, there are plenty of unique (and tempting) elements for a stylish interior to be found in Denmark’s capital city. Whether you’re in the mood to learn or purchase, here are eight places to visit on your design tour of Copenhagen: […]
Exploring The Art of Montmartre
On a cool, sunny, winter solstice morning, my husband and I disembarked at the Place des Abbesses métro station and gasped with delight. We were greeted by one of eighty-seven Art Nouveau métro entrances in Paris. This one, consisting of a display of lacy, iron, filigreed flowers and figures, ushered us onto the streets of Montmartre. This […]
Three Art-filled Days in Madrid
According to Paulo Coelho, “a city is like a capricious woman: she takes time to be seduced and to reveal herself completely,” which is an apt springboard of thought for Spain’s capital city – and magnificent matriarch – Madrid. As far as European cities go – Madrid arguably has it all. Cosmopolitan, cultured and swimming in […]
St. Petersburg, Russia and its Iconic Art
It was a frigid, bland kind of Tuesday in St. Petersburg. I could not tell if it was colder than the day before, but it was definitely weather for the wooliest, thickest socks and gloves. It was the kind of weather that starts to freeze the blood in your face so that you can’t feel the tip […]
Exploring Bilbao, Spain: A Paradise for Foodies and Art Lovers
After writing a paper on the Bilbao Guggenheim for a contemporary art history course in graduate school, I knew I had to get there one day. I was captivated by Frank Gehry’s innovative architectural design and curious to see the museum’s diverse collection. So, the day after I finished a rather intense teaching gig […]
The Best Museums in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, one of Europe’s leading artistic and cultural centers, is home to over 50 museums and galleries. In fact, it boasts more museums per capita than any other European capital. Most museums are close in proximity and easily accessed on foot or by water taxi in this pedestrian friendly city of canals. If you are able to […]
Barcelona’s Treasures: its Art and Architecture
Barcelona is home to some of the most stunning art and architecture in Spain. It seems that everywhere you look there’s another beautiful building and around every corner is another notable museum or gallery that you can attend no matter what the weather in Barcelona is. From the famous masterpieces of Picasso and Gaudi to […]