Let a museum enlighten you.

In previous posts, when I have encouraged you to be a traveler more than a tourist, I did not mean to skip museums. Museums are for everyone. Museums open doors to different cultures, places, times, and people. I love to visit museums, especially those dealing with history or art (or both). Some of my favorites have been the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam, the Nobel Museum in Oslo, the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire, and the Frida Kahlo Museum (also known as The Blue House) in Coyoacán, Mexico City. I have also seen some wondrous artwork from the masters of the past and have enjoyed the work of today's artists whose commentary on events and situations is powerful, creative and inspiring. I always learn something, if not a lot.

When you are traveling, whether or not you are a history buff or an art lover, I recommend visiting a museum. Or do as I do and visit many. You will learn about the place you are visiting and what has happened there. You will learn of events that inspired people, or damaged people, or changed the course of history. You will learn more about the culture you have taken such an interest in.

This week here in Austin, Texas, there has been an exhibit called Architects of Air on display and available for visits. No matter who is describing this exhibit, the words “bouncy house” always seem to be used. It is an outdoor exhibit, filled with air ... but it isn’t bouncy. It is an inflatable, interactive display of architecture and color. Here are some photos I took: 

This is what Architects of Air looks like from the outside.
Although not a part of a museum per se, the exhibit itself
was both museum and artwork. It was quite amazing!

Here I am, amid the color and light of the different passageways.

Architects of Air travels all over the world, so maybe someday you will see it (or maybe you have already). It is a unique experience. I waited for almost 30 minutes to buy the ticket, and then waited another hour and a half to get inside the exhibit (where everyone had to take off their shoes to enter). Initially I thought, “I am not waiting that long! I mean, come on!” But then I decided, “Why not?” I was thinking I had too much to get done and that I shouldn’t use my time for this experience. But I soon realized how ridiculous that was. I wouldn’t feel that way if I were visiting another city and had the chance to see this exhibit. I wouldn’t feel that way if I had to wait in line to take the ferry from Manhattan to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum (which I did, and it was February, so it was very cold ... unlike today in Austin where it was 80ºF). I wouldn’t feel that way if I were waiting to ride the Millennium roller coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio (I think I waited longer than that ... all to be completely terrified!). I think I was just hung up on the fact that I wasn’t a visitor, or a tourist, or a traveler. But the truth is, I am always those things. We are always in a position to see our familiar places in a different light if we just take the time to explore them in a different way.

So this is why I say that no matter where you are, whether you are traveling or at home, take some time to find all the treasures museums hold. Some are actual treasures. Some are worth more money than we can fathom. Some are held in small museums with seemingly simple stories to tell, but are interesting and important nonetheless. Some explain a place in history that is practically incomprehensible. But they all shed new light on the usual, and lend new color to what we thought we knew.