Art-Inspired Travel: Secrets of the World’s Least Known Museums

Museums around the world engage and enthrall. A visit for me is never finished, I just run out of time. The most prestigious are not my only favorites since the smaller, stumbled upon gems can delight without the crowds and with greater access to the works displayed.

Vienna

On a fall afternoon in Vienna, I asked a shop owner about the Gustav Klimt posters of his painting, “Lady with a Fan” lacing light poles and bannering windows all over the city. Leading me to his storefront he pointed left up a long hill.

“The Belvedere Museum,” he said, “a two kilometer walk. You must visit.”

The museum was practically empty save for a class of school children sitting beneath this masterpiece of Klimt, “The Kiss”. The kids were fascinated by the gold leaf shimmering from the canvas and not at all interested in the subject matter. But I was enthralled and spent the rest of the afternoon with Klimt and the other eye-popping paintings and sculptures. In a castle I had never heard of before.

The Kiss depicts an embracing couple kneeling in a grassy patch of wildflowers. Clad in a geometrically-printed robe and with a crown of vines on his head, the man cradles the woman’s face as he leans in to kiss her. The female figure—whose colorful, organically patterned dress contrasts her partner’s garment—wears flowers in her hair. As she wraps her arms around her partner’s neck, her eyes are peacefully closed, emphasizing the tranquility and intimacy of the scene.

My Modern Met

In Malaga

Spain has Madrid and the Prado, but there’s another city in the Andalusian region which charms. In Malaga, birthplace of Picasso, the city will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his death with visit-worthy festivities. If you go, you have to see this museum.

The Museo Picasso Málaga opened in 2003 in the Buena Vista Palace and has 285 works all donated by members of Picasso’s family.  

The Building itself is stunning and the collection is displayed to allow intimacy with each of the pieces and space to wander. But it’s small by comparison with other galleries, and delightfully bright with natural light.

In Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, a visit to the Rijksmuseum is a must but The Mauritshuis in The Hague is an exceptional experience for lovers of the Dutch Masters; Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens and Leyster among them.

It was built in the seventeenth century as a private residence for Count Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen but since 1822 it has been a museum. Again, smaller and manageable, its intimacy allows inspection of the artist’s brushstrokes.

And she’s here…Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Along with many more of his best-known works.

The Flemish Peter Paul Rubens was one of the most versatile and influential artists of his time. He painted history paintings, landscapes, hunting scenes and portraits, but also designed sculptures, title pages and tapestries. Many are here on display.

In Paris

No post would be complete without a Parisian reference since there are so many housed in the former private residences of the artist’s family. Hidden on little side streets in a variety of arrondissements all over the city. And they are open to the public.

First, The Musee Gustave Moreau at 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld, 9th. It’s amazing.

Remaining almost as it was when Moreau painted here, this elegant townhouse offers a rare glimpse into the enigmatic artist’s life and times. A respected teacher—Matisse and Rouault were his students—Moreau caused a sensation in Paris with his hallucinatory paintings. A primary influence on the later Surrealist and Symbolist movements, Moreau’s work also had an impact on the literature and music of his day.

Fodor’s Travel

The small, charming Paris museum, set on three floors, overlooks a nice garden. The main floor apartment features a sea-green dining room, bedroom, boudoir, hallway, den, and office and library. It’s fascinating glimpse into Moreau’s life and art.

The Musée de la Vie Romantique is located in the house of the painter Ary Scheffer, built in 1830. Situated in Pigalle, in the Nouvelle Athènes district.

The ground floor is devoted to George Sand and includes portraits, furniture, and jewelry from the 18th and 19th centuries.

On the first floor, contemporary works are exhibited around Sheffer’s paintings The museum also feature concerts, exhibitions and special activities for children. And there’s a tea room and bakery.

In the garden of the museum, the tearoom Rose Bakery is a delightfully tranquil spot and serves delicious snacks.

And there are always options to the spectacular museums in every city that you can do in an afternoon. Online searches through Get Your Guide, Viator or your handy Fodor’s Guide will serve you well.