Highlights of The National Gallery

Saturday was a busy day with the Royal Albert Hall in the morning and a West End musical in the evening. In-between I took a stroll through the National Gallery, picking up a map at the entrance which pointed me to the collection highlights. The two pictures attached to this post were probably my favorite of the highlights. “The Arnolfini Portrait” by Van Eyck is so famous. I’ve seen it in art and history books for years and it was even featured in the opening credits of Desperate Housewives. It didn’t disappoint with its rich colors.

For weary tourists, The National Gallery offers a combination that few can refuse. The admission is free and they have very comfy seating in some of the rooms. So comfy, I saw a man with mouth wide open fast asleep.

Museo Nacional Reina Sofia

I did go to the Museo Nacional Reina Sofia, as recommended by my colleague, which is a contemporary Spanish art museum. Spanish art is so interesting and strange. When I look at most of Salvador Dali’s work, it really looks like a dream to me, little pieces of things here and there that don’t really make sense separately or sometimes even together. I had not read anything about this museum before going so I didn’t know what works of art I needed to see, but when I walked into the room where Pablo Picasso’s Guernica is exhibited, I knew that this was something special. It has a presence that can only be felt, partly because of its size, when you see it up close. I immediately wanted to know more. And what a history it has had!