A Day at the Kelvingrove and University of Glasgow
The Kelvingrove
Last week we had company and just had to show them around the city of Glasgow. Of course, what better place to see more of the city's history than in the Kelvingrove!
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of those buildings that just shouts art and culture. The imposing Victorian structure was completed in 1901 and faces Kelvingrove Park. So yes, the entrance on Argyll St. is actually the back of the building. There are over 8,000 exhibits on display making it the largest civic collection in the UK. When we popped in last week, I think we only made it through half the museum in two hours or so; there is that much to see.
When we got to the Kelvingrove in the early afternoon, we were treated to a stunning organ recital in the main hall. The organ is an original one from 1902.
A Spitfire.
While I didn't see nearly as much art as I was hoping (my excuse to revisit the museum), I was impressed by the exhibits. There are rooms and rooms of animals, several rooms dedicated to the history of Glasgow, a room of Egyptian artifacts, plus rooms full of Dutch, French, and Scottish paintings, and so much more! My favorite was the room centering on the Salvador Dali's painting of Christ on the Cross. While in grad school I had written a paper on this piece, comparing it with a similar painting by an Old Master. This piece stuck in my mind and seeing it in person was amazing. It's on of those pieces that can be looked at again and again.
A Van Gogh. One of my favorites.
The Kelvingrove has an impressive collection of armor and weapons.
There are several other museums in Glasgow and I hope to visit every one of them. St. Mungo's is next on my list (although I may go to the GoMA on a rainy day!).
Since we hadn't gotten enough art and culture and history from the museum, we popped over to the Uni for a bit of sightseeing.
The University Memorial Chapel has the most beautiful stained glass windows. The chapel is dedicated to the individuals who lost their lives in the World Wars.
Every time I go to the Uni, I have to visit the cloisters. Cliche, but I love it in here.
Ahhhh. Hogwarts in the Fall. That joke isn't ever going to get old. ;)
And that was our day of art and culture. We're lucky to live near a city that has that much art. If you're ever in Scotland, the Kelvingrove is a must visit. The exhibits are interesting and the art is stunning. Well worth your time. Oh, and admission is free. :)