ART MUSEUMS: Taking it up a notch!

Art museums take my breath away. It’s the combination of creative brilliance, history, and beauty. I enter the buildings and the awe from being so close to originals created by masters dominates the experience. A docent brings me back down and focuses me. As a result, instead of just “going” to a museum, I now “see” the museum. I highly recommend this distinction.

There are many benefits to having a docent directed tour. Large museums such as The Louvre in Paris or The Prado in Madrid can be overwelming. Without direction, I wander bombarded by paintings – many look very similar – and it’s hall after hall. I recognize some names, some styles, and occasionally an individual piece. It’s superficial, but I at least I can say I’ve been to such-and-such famous museum. With a docent, I’m directed to specific pieces. Docents know fun facts like hidden signatures, symbolism, artists painting themselves (and spouses) into the piece, personal backgrounds and historical influeces, or how the artist felt about the person commissioning a painting. You leave the museum like you’ve been let in on big family secrets. And finally, there is the time issue. Those headsets have explanations on every painting. After two hours, you’ve only seen a fraction of the first floor when you realize you need to leave. Being able to speak to a docent and clue them of any particular interests ensures you are not disappointed by missing out on a painting due to time. Docents bring the paintings alive, engage you with the piece, then move you along.