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I’ve had a number of y’all tell me that insights into smaller, but wonderful museums, is interesting and helpful to you.  So, today’s post is about three wonderful museums you should spend time exploring.  We will travel to Paris, Florence and London today….so strap on your traveling boots, and let’s get after it!

PARIS:  The Musee Carnavalet

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Situated in the historical Marais district, the Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to the history of Paris from its origins to present day. Opened in 1880, the current museum occupies two mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries. In this setting, you can discover the rich collections of the museum: medieval and Gallo-Roman archeological collection, mementos of the French Revolution, paintings, sculptures, furniture and items of art. The collections are presented in rooms which reconstruct the atmosphere of 14th and 15th century private residences.

For me, the Musee Carnavalet is worthy of being on my list of wonderful museums, because it is a little like going to the Smithsonian.  The artifacts and fascinating objects from France’s rich history are endlessly fascinating.  My husband, who is an enthusiastic collector of Trade Signs, loves the collection of French Trade signs.

(When researching for this post, I discovered that this amazing museum is closed for renovation through 2019.  So you know what that means????  PARIS in 2020 y’all!!!!  Who’s with me????)

FLORENCE:  The Bargello

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Second on my list of wonderful museums is the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, which sits in the ancient Palazzo Podestà of Florence that, royally decreed on June 22, 1865, to become the first National Italian Museum dedicated to Medieval and Renaissance art.

The most important Renaissance sculptures were brought to the Palazzo, including masterpieces by Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Verrocchio, Michelangelo, and Cellini, most of which came from the Medici grand-ducal collection.  The museum is also enriched with superb examples of bronzes, majolica, waxes, glazed pottery, medals, ivories, tapestries, seals and textiles, also from the Medici collection, convents and private collections.

It’s typically quiet, and in the summer, a welcomed cooler respite from the heat of the Tuscan sun.  My husband could easily spend a whole day there, admiring the vast collections.  And…for all you Game of Thrones fans….the grand staircase in the central courtyard was used for many scenes!

LONDON:  The Wallace Collection

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In a past post, I shared with you suggestions for places to have high tea in London.  The Wallace Collection is always on my list of wonderful museums, with the added bonus of a lovely high tea experience.

The Wallace Collection is a national museum in an historic London town house. On display are unsurpassed displays of French 18th-century painting, including major works by French Rococo painters, like Fragonard and Watteau, furniture and porcelain, and superb Old Master paintings.   The collection of world class armory is very accessible, and my kids absolutely loved this particular aspect of The Wallace Collection.

I hope that you will add these wonderful museums to your lists, when you next find yourself in Paris, Florence or London!  Each unique, each fascinating, and each a favorite of The Curious Cowgirl!

Please tag me on Social Media when you visit on of these fabulous museums!!!  I’ll feel like I’m on vacation with you….without being an awkward third wheel!  xoxo

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