Tag: Best Museum

The Museo Amparo-Puebla, Mexico…A Place You Really Need To Visit

Posted in Archaeological Treasures, Architecture, Art, Cities, Historical, Incredible Vistas, Mexico, Museums, Puebla, Travel, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

I have been to many museums in my life but discovering the Museo Amparo today was a highlight in my search for finding these amazing educational venues. With perfectly spectacular architecture (both the inside and outside of the building) incredible city vistas, and with numerous varied displays; this is one museum you truly will not want to miss.

Located in the historic center of the city of Puebla, the museum was established in 1991 by Manuel Espinoza Yglesias in honor of his late wife, Amparo Rugarcia de Espinosa. A picture of her painted by Diego Rivera hangs in the museum in her memory. While facade looks like a typical colonial neighborhood once you step inside and you will find you are partially enclosed within a three story cube of glass. But it is not until you arrive at the roof that you actually understand the spectacular design that you have been encased within and which acts as a showcase to the city of Puebla. Here, take a look…..yes….I just couldn’t leave the UNESCO HERITAGE view until the end. This perspective of Puebla must be one of the best of all the cities in the world.

Back inside…. I think I will let the words at the entrance of the museum convey what it is that they have set out to create and the impression the museum hopes to instill within the minds of its visitors.

This year marks the Amparo’s 35th Anniversary and it’s temporary exhibit commemorates the photographic history of the City of Pueblo and the artists who captured the essence of the city throughout the mid-last 1800’s until recent times. I loved seeing the city through the eyes of it’s mostly professional photographers including Mariano Tagle Calderon, Carlos Rivero and Juan Christomo Mendez.

Because of this picture we learned that if a woman was widowed she grew her hair long in honor of her deceased husband

The museum also has among its many collections paintings from well-known artists such as Rufino Tamayo, pre-Hispanic artifacts, folk art, religious art, contemporary pieces as well as a true-to-life 19th century kitchen.

The outdoor courtyards and displays are also worthy of attention as the plantings are inspirational and the paintings are thought provoking. And don’t forget to visit the rooftop cafe so you can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the most incredible views of this magnificent city.

The Museo Amparo is open Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) from 10 am until 6 pm. Adults cost approximately $5 while seniors over 65 and students are free. Address: 2 Sur 708, Centro, Puebla, Mexico. Website: https://museoamparo.com/

Nisga’a Museum-Laxgalt, ap BC Canada

Posted in Architecture, Canada, First Nations, Great Fun For The Kids, Historical, Incredible Vistas, Museums, Travel, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

One of the best small museums I have ever visited is the Nisga’a in British Columbia. The architecture of the building which highlights the natural beauty of traditional tribal lands along with the highly curated and informative exhibits will surely take your breath away and give you a new sense of appreciation for traditional First Nation history and practices.

To get to the multiple galleries one enters through a replica of a longhouse. I suggest entering more than once to really get a feeling of what is being conveyed and to be able to experience the feast for your eyes that surrounds you.

The first gallery is known as the Transformation Gallery. Here you will find a huge collection of spirit masks (naxnok) and costumes that were used to the tell the stories of spirits and their role in society.

After exiting this colorful gallery you are directed to the Shaman’s Gallery (Halayt Gallery) which emphasizes the role of the Shaman in society and displays items used to call and direct the supernatural.

The Museum also contains several more galleries which discuss the history of the Nisga’a, the possessions of the people, laws and customs, as well as showcasing daily life of the tribe and individuals roles within it. Headdresses, bentwood boxes and rattles are just a few of the exquisite things that will be seen as you meander through. Be sure to take some time to explore as this is not an educational center to rush through.

One of the best things about this museum is the kindness of staff who will patiently answer or will find the answer to any question you might have. These are individuals who are immensely proud of their culture/heritage and want to be sure that everyone who leaves takes a bit of that appreciation with them.

Finally, be sure to check out the gift shop where local artists have their works on display and where you can also find further information about the indigenous people throughout the region.

There is a small entrance fee. Families pay $22, adults, $8 and children $5. The museum is open from Early May through the end of October on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am until 5 pm. It is located at: 810 Highway Drive, Lax̱g̱altsʼap, British Columbia, Canada. For further information call 1 (250) 633- 3050.