RSS
The Venezuelan capital of Caracas has some excellent museums that trace the country's rich history and culture.
Museo Criollo
Plaza Bolivar, El Centro
Set inside a graceful colonial building, the Museo Criollo houses a permanent collection of works by noted Venezuelan painter Emilio Boggio (1857-1920). There are also scale-model miniatures by Raul Santana. These models depict different aspects of early Venezuelan culture. The building in which the musuem is housed also holds historical value. The Concejo Municipal was where the National Congress met on July 5, 1811 and approved the Declaration of Independence.
Galeria de Art Nacional
Plaza Morelos, Bellas Artes
Known around town as the "GAN," the interesting National Art Gallery, across the circular Plaza Morelos from the Museum of Natural Science, displays more than 4,000 works of art from Venezuela's proud past. It shares a building with the Museo de Bellas Artes, which exhibits a random selection of art from all around the globe. The top floor is a terrace offering views over Parque Los Caobos and much of Caracas.
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Caracas Sofia Imber
Parque Central, Belles Artes
With displays by Picasso, Miro and Bacon, this is a great place to while the afternoon away. A contemporary art museum, there are also 3-D works by renowned Venezuelan artist Jesús Soto. This museum has one of the best art collections in South America.
Museo de Cinecias Naturales
Plaza Morales, Bellas Artes
The Museum of Natural Science includes archaeological, botanical, and zoological displays. You can also enjoy some pre-Columbian displays and those on early-American life, such as demonstrations of the farming methods of indigenous peoples.
Museo Sacro de Caracas
Plaza Bolivar, El Centro
The Museum of Religious Art of Caracas was a former sacristy and ecclesiastical prison. It was built in 1844 and adjoined the cathedral. It currently houses ornate religious statues and lavish costumes from the colonial era. Especially noteworthy in the first salon is the ornate silver canopy made to cover the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. Downstairs is a common grave where remains of the religious are interred in sealed niches.
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
