The National Museum of Sweden in Stockholm (Part 1 of 5)

A saunter down the National Museum of Sweden is a unique experience in more ways than one. It gives one a sneak peek into the country’s rich history and culture. It showcases the evolution of its fine arts over time. It tells us about its diplomatic relations and stand-offs with other countries. It also makes us aware of the various stages through which this exquisite Nordic country has passed to attain its present state.

The collection at the museum comprises around 70,000 artefacts: paintings, sculptures, drawings, and graphics from the 16^th century until the turn of the century in 1900. The museum, originally started in 1792, was renovated last in the 2010s.

The Sculpture Courtyard

The ground floor has The Sculpture Courtyard which makes one wonder how Idealism in the past shifted to Realism during the 19^th century. Mythology and gods represented here link us to human ideals and values, all of which are universal in nature.

(The images you see above have been downloaded from the internet. The images which follow are the works of an amateur photographer like yours truly.)

Few other sculptures of a relatively smaller size can be found on the upper floors of the museum, as a part of its Timeline theme. A piece depicting a horse also craves the viewer’s indulgence.

  

In the following parts of this series, you can have a look at some of the clocks, jewellery, paintings and other items on display at the museum.

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The National Museum of Sweden in Stockholm (Part 2 of 5)

‘The Dance of Life’ at the National Gallery of Norway

A saunter down the Rietberg Museum at Zurich in Switzerland: Part 1 of 3

A saunter down the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway (Part 1 of 3)

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A saunter down the Rietberg Museum at Zurich in Switzerland: Part 2 of 3

We live in times when protectionist tendencies appear to be on the rise. However, the Rietberg Museum at Zurich represents a global and inclusive view. It shows us the value humanity can attach to a profound respect for diverse cultures.

The Rietberg Museum is the only art museum of non-European cultures in Switzerland, the third-largest museum in Zürich, and the largest to be run by the city itself.

A leisurely stroll through the corridors makes one discover some exquisite works of art from across the world.

In the early 1940s, the city of Zürich purchased the Rieterpark and the Wesendonck Villa. In 1949, the Wesendonck Villa was selected, by referendum, to be rebuilt into a museum for the Baron Eduard von der Heydt’s art collection, which he had donated to the city in 1945. This was carried out in 1951-52 under the architect Alfred Gradmann. The Rietberg Museum was opened on the 24 th of May, 1952.

(Related posts:

https://ashokbhatia.wordpress.com/2016/11/04/a-saunter-down-the-rietberg-museum-at-zurich-in-switzerland-part-1-of-3

https://ashokbhatia.wordpress.com/2016/11/09/a-saunter-down-the-rietberg-museum-at-zurich-in-switzerland-part-3-of-3)

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