The 7 Series: My favourite museums & galleries

I have been lucky enough to visit many galleries and museums around the world. So today I have chosen my favourite seven, for when you need some inspiration on your next trip! Enjoy X

1. Peggy Guggenheim Collection - Venice

This is my personal favourite art collection in the world. Visiting this museum in Venice is such unique experience, where modern art is exhibited in a stunning 18th century Venetian palace on the water alongside a beautiful sculpture garden. It houses some of the very best - and my personal favourite - modernist masterpieces as well as works from prominent artists in Cubism, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. 

2. Musée Picasso - Paris

No trip to Paris is complete without a trip to this museum. Located in the Marais district, inside The Hôtel Salé, it houses the world’s largest collection of Picasso that is open to the public, with over 5,000 works and tens of thousands of archived pieces. Everyone should try and visit this amazing gallery at least once.

3. Judd Foundation - New York

Located in downtown New York, the Judd Foundation offers a special glimpse into artist Donald Judd’s living and working spaces. I would recommend having a guided tour; it takes approximately an hour and is the best way to get the most from the experience. 

4. The Courtauld Gallery - London

One of my favourite galleries in London, and one of the best private collections in the UK. It is most famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, such as Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. It’s located in beautiful Somerset House on The Strand; and before or after your visit I would recommend a three minute walk to 180 The Strand where there are always interesting art events - and some great restaurants too. 

5. Foundation Maeght - South of France

I went to Saint-Paul de Vence on my honeymoon, and visiting this foundation is something I will never forget. It is memorable space, where you can wander from a sculpture garden, through courtyards and terraces to expansive exhibition spaces. There is also a lovely cafe, bookshop and even a chapel; all situated in the beautiful hills of the South of France. It has one of the largest collections in Europe of paintings, sculptures, drawings and graphic arts of the 20th century, but also features an impressive collection from contemporary artists such as Adami, Bergmann, Calzolari, Chillida, Christo, Del Re and more. 

6. The Whitney Museum - New York

Located in between the High Line and the Hudson River in New York, the Whitney is arguably one of the best places to view American Art. It has over 6,000 works by 20^th century and contemporary American artists - and more besides. 

7. The Museo Fortuny- Venice

Venice holds such a special place in my heart and is arguably my favourite place to visit in Europe, so I have to mention another museum to visit there. The Museo Fortuny is housed in a historical palace in the centre of Venice called the Palazzo Pesaro Orfei. It displays the life and works of Mariano Fortuny, who was a prominent artist, fashion designer and inventor from the 20th century. His Palazzo was often referred to as his ‘think tank’, where he collected and displayed all his inspiration. It has since been made open to the public and is a memorable place to visit.

I hope you’ve enjoyed something a bit different this week, let me know if you would like to read more recommendations or edits like this one! Alex X