Tag: Musuems

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/

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum-Devonport, New Zealand

Posted in Foreign Lands, Great Fun For The Kids, Museums, New Zealand, Travel Hints, Using Local TransportationTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

One of the issues that those of us face when traveling with children is what we are doing of interest to the kids or will we spend all that entrance fee money only to be confronted with “THIS IS BORING.” Frankly, it is one of our worst nightmares come true.

I was a little concerned before reaching Torpedo Bay Navy Museum that we might find ourselves embroiled in that “I’M BORED”  scenario but I was, oh-so-wrong. The kids loved it here and from the “whoops” of children in their school uniforms it would appear the natives did too.

What’s not to love? First of all the museum is housed in a modern building along the bay with Auckland harbor serving as a pristine backdrop. With a cafe and plenty of space to run if nothing else the museum is a great spot to take in lunch. But wait…there is so much more to see.

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Upon entry kids are given a paper in which to hunt for artifacts and make brass rubbings as they move about the exhibits. There is even a place where children can dress up in old military uniforms and pretend they are in a submarine.

If you are a military history buff there is plenty to be found here. Old photos, interactive exhibits and films are just a few of the things to gaze at. Not only is New Zealand’s Naval history on display you can also find much about WW I, the United States Navy and other military personnel throughout the world who served in both World Wars.

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While the museum also houses artifacts from past sailors throughout history you can also find displays of weaponry, maps, and relics from the early years of deep sea diving. Military medals, military posters and paintings. But wait…before you go you must visit ‘The Boatshed’ an historic building with old boats celebrating whalers, dinghies an other sea worthy vessels who all contributed to maritime efforts in the area.

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Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is FREE and open seven days a week 10a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Christmas, Boxing Day and Good Friday. Take the ferry over from Auckland.