Sunday, July 20, 2008

the met like an old friend



one of my favorite pieces in the Met is in the Greek Wing, carved alabaster eyeballs with bronze eyelashes

second favorite, an ancient Boddhisatva from China









I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art the other evening with some pals to see the new Oceanic Art wing. Inside we wandered around, loving the Asmat shields, Incan feather-works, the little Indian Haveli in the South Asian wing and the delicate features of the old Chinese sculptures. I love to visit these parts, where the museum has created serene and thoughtful homes for the magical pieces they've brought to live there.
It's usually so quiet, away from the larger crowds of the blockbuster shows.
I've sort of grown up with these rooms, in different incarnations. For me it's like visiting an old friend's house, the one whose door is always open and is there for you whenever you need them.

Later we came up to the roof for a cocktail, NYC crowded, but so much glorious energy and one of the few places in the city where you can see an expanse of sky! We walked in and out of the Jeff Koon's sculptures--they created a special cocktail to celebrate his sculptures up there, a pretty sounding drink of elderberry and prosecco. We found a spot to people-watch, ate the heavenly little candies a friend brought back from Rome and saw the sun set over Central Park, a New York City summer night with friends.

9 comments:

Project Ecoart said...

Thse pics felt like I had a weekend in N.Y.C. Thanks!

Camille said...

I grew up near NYC. Whenever we are visiting family I make sure I bring my two boys to NYC for a trip to a museum.

I love your photos! Whenever we go my youngest takes the pics. He took a couple good ones at MOMA this year.

People watching is one of my enjoyable past times when out.

High Desert Diva said...

What a wonderful evening. I've yet to visit the Met...someday.

Those eyeballs are amazing! Love the elephant, too.

Anonymous said...

Those rooftop shots are just gorgeous. What a lovely day.

ana dane said...

please tell me you saved some of those candies. i am craving them, and rome is ever so far away right now.

molly said...

i love the rooftop (and the way you describe it as "nyc crowded" is so perfect!), and, once again, you make me miss my old home...

TIG said...

Love The Met, and the elderberry/prosecco concoction sounds heavenly. Also love that we have nearly the same shot {photo # 9}:

http://citified.blogspot.com/2007/12/new-york-minute.html

Apt. #34 said...

this is making me desperate for a trip to NYC!

littlebyrd said...

This looks like a wonderful day! Gorgeous photos!!