Famous Art Galleries

There are apples and there are apples. While almost every city in the world lays claim to a great art gallery, there are very few that are globally recognized and famous. People, art lovers, historians and the commoners all flock to these art galleries travelling all across the world just to see some of the master pieces that these galleries house.

Probably the most famous art gallery in the world is 'The Louvre' in Paris. The most famous piece of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo Da Vinci. This famous painting is kept under high security as it tops the list of art thieves the world over. The Louvre also houses many other famous paintings by Da Vinci and hundreds of other famous artists.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is a renowned location for beautiful art masterpieces. This museum has an impressive assortment of American paintings. In addition to these, it also has paintings and statues by famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and El Greco. This makes it a global museum.

Our next stop is London, England, where the National Gallery is situated. There you will find glorious works by the best known artists of Europe. Some of the most famous are by Raphael, Manet, da Vinci, Renoir, and Monet. True art lovers will need to make a visit to this stunning gallery at some time in their lives. Some paintings hanging there are: Sunflowers, by Vincent Van Gogh; The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo da Vinci; and Venus and Mars, by Sandro Botticelli.

While most art galleries cater to the works of the 'greats', in recent times many galleries have started focusing on the contemporary arts of the twentieth century. Amongst the most famous contemporary art galleries and museums in the world is 'The George Pompidou Center' in Paris. The building that house the George Pompidou Center itself is also totally contemporary with all the ducts and piping on the outside.

Contemporary art galleries and museums typically feature not only paintings, drawings, and prints, but exhibits of furniture, sound, light, and even music. Visiting these galleries can be a fascinating visit through the past few decades and shows how much style and taste has changed.

Most of the major European cities are home to at least a national and a contemporary gallery. Usually there are also private galleries. Any time you visit a major metropolitan area, be sure to include the galleries in your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to learn about a country and its cultures. History and its changes are reflected in the art on display.

For those that want to possess these works of art, the only place to visit is the private galleries. The exhibits in national galleries are not for sale. While private galleries offer some good works of art, they do not house the greats such as the Renoirs or Van Gogh's. Another option is to visit auction houses such as Christie's that often hold art auctions. These auctions feature some stunning pieces that you can bid on and possibly acquire if the pockets are deep.

Art is an important part of any history. Paying a visit to a gallery can transport you back in time, where you can see works produced by some of the most creative minds to ever exist.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

About the author: Clair Jons is the chief editor for FE Art, the #1 source on the internet when you're looking for fresh up to date advice and reviews to do with Art. For further information on Art please visit: www.feart.com/articles
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