Denver Art Museum

[Epigonos]

Great post Charlie. You make an excellent point. I had never considered that the collection in the Guggenheim, the resident opera company in the Sidney Opera House, and the collection in the Denver Art Musem might in themselves not be worth a visit. Yet now the buildings in which the above are housed DO make a visit worthwhile.

[Steven_Draker]

Speaking of Museums of Modern and Contemporary Arts it's worth mentioning the new addition to the Paris's Beaubourg: the Centre Pompidou-Metz. It's first satellite location of the Paris's renowned Centre Pompidou that opened in Metz (Northeast France) in 2010, designed by Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines.

 

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/arts/photos/2010/05/12/pompidou-metz-reuters-RTR2DP62.jpg

 

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/6690/11025014.jpg

 

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4192/16568650.jpg

 

I love architecture and I've found this particular project brought to the final product quite successful.

 

"The museum is France's first attempt at "cultural decentralization" — moving new arts venues and similar outposts away from the busy, tourist-heavy capital of Paris to spread out the economic and cultural benefits."

 

You remember probably that the French system is based on a "centralized model" with one unique center of attraction - Paris. In the same light of "decentralization" the next step would be in 2012 when Le Louvre is opening of a local branch in Lens, a former mining region in Northern France.

 

source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/artdesign/story/2010/05/12/pompidou-metz-opens.html

 

Steven ~

[Steven_Draker]

I agree with the points you made Charlie, however no one has addressed the issue that Epigonos raised, namely that "although the buildings are wonderful architecturally they are NOT terrible successful as art museums, concert hall and church" and that the architects are solely responsible for that. In my opinion there are other causes for not being "successful", but I understand that they're skillfully avoided (or that's the impression I get) in this discussion.

[+ Charlie]

I'm not sure I understand your point, Steven. By "not terribly successful as museums," I assumed Epigonos was referring to their failure to fulfill their presentation function effectively. Are you thinking of some other meaning of "not successful"? And if so, what are those causes that we have skillfully avoided?

[Guest Bauer]

Speaking personally, and just as an expression of my own opinion I find both Denver and Milwaukee engaging in what it is that they represent, and in a way disturbing.

 

Not to dismiss anyone's work. Quite the contrary, but I just kind anything which evokes exposed post-tension cabling to be .... well, let's just say I find it disturbing.

[seeker630]

Speaking personally, and just as an expression of my own opinion I find both Denver and Milwaukee engaging in what it is that they represent, and in a way disturbing.

 

Not to dismiss anyone's work. Quite the contrary, but I just kind anything which evokes exposed post-tension cabling to be .... well, let's just say I find it disturbing.

 

Hi Bauer,

Can you clarify - especially that first sentence? I don't understand what you're saying. ('engaging in what it is they represent'?).

 

Thanks.

[Guest Bauer]

Ah. First an explanation of post-tensioning. Post tensioning is a way of constructing buildings so that certain architectural visions are possible. An Engineering 101 subject.

 

Basically the method uses steel strands inside plastic tubing in one or more

of the horizontal concrete slabs. The tubing is packed with grease or oil as a corrosion retardant.

 

There are many strands in both directions cast within a concrete slab with the strands tensioned against the concrete at the slab's ends. Sadly, over time strands can fail. And if for any reason the concrete reports were inaccurate, disaster can ensue.

 

Accordingly. Anytime an architect shows exposed cables or cabling, it is something which can be a "feeling laden" experience.

 

http://paulparsons.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/milwaukee-art-museum.jpg

[Steven_Draker]

And if you find yourself between coasts, don't forget the superb Nelson-Atkins Museum here in Kansas City, which has a stunning new building of its own and outstanding collections!

 

Trilingual,

Thanks for bringing our attention to the Nelson-Atkins museum in Kansas City. I haven't been to Kansas city yet, but I have always wanted to visit there. It looks like my trip may finally take place this fall. I believe that Brandon Williams (aka BMW) is from Kansas City originally.

 

Here's what I found googling the Nelson-Atkins museum. That picture alone makes me want to visit.

http://www.emporia.edu/earthsci/student/unruh2/s70nelsonwithskyline.jpg

[Karl-G]

Bloch Building of Nelson-Atkins

 

The Neo-Classical Building is the original and main building with most of the collection. It sits on top of the hill. The very interesting building is the new one for modern art, the Bloch Building. It is connected to the main building and slides down the hill.

 

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/edith_piaf/BlochBuilding.jpg

 

It was designed by Steven Holl and consists of six large galleries built half underground with double walls of glass with lights embedded in between. At night, the new galleries glow an incredible color. And the collection inside is excellent. There is also a very fine outdoor sculpture garden all around the museum.

 

Two blocks away from the Nelson-Atkins is the Kemper Museum, with an excellent collection of modern art. And a few miles away is the Johnson County Community College art gallery, which is very interesting and good.

 

You might also want to check the archives on this topic. : - )