Did: The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Rhian and I went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Sunday (it's free on Sundays, which rocks). There was no Rocky-esque running of the stairs, however there was some parking 3 minutes away and roughing it through the cold. I laughed in Mother Nature's face to spite the zero-degree weather, and she responded in kind: slamming us with harsh knife-like wind. Scoffing stifled; we blitzed to the revolving door and quickly slipped inside. It’s a shame really. The outside of the building is where the fantastic experience begins.



There's something about the Philadelphia Museum of Art that takes me back into a comfort zone. Looking at all those wondrous pieces of artwork and the ancient artifacts makes the stupid things I worry about on a daily basis seem silly. I saw Monet's Rain, and was instantly thrust into the countryside amidst downpour. There were pictures of old cobblestone streets, amazing ships, eerie twilight carnival nights, and bridges covered in ethereal London Fog.

Rhian and I wandered through some European art and then Modern art collections first. Every room had several pieces that I was drawn to. I just can’t explain the feeling. The environment of the Museum is very peaceful and reflective. They've created this atmosphere where you can safely examine these pieces without feeling like you're in a crowd, despite several other people in the room.


I felt important as I walked around on the hard marble floor. It's strangely empowering, and as a half-nerd I was immediately drawn to the arms and armor section (my favorite place from when I was younger). We reached the pinnacle of our aesthetic journey: The Weapons and Armor Exhibit. I was left with just as much awe as I remembered feeling. Nothing new has changed here, and it's comforting. Each weapon, shield, and piece of armor is on display in the memory bank of my mind. Walking through my mind and the museum simultaneously resurrected the feeling of unbound curiosity and amazement.

If you have a chance to go to the Philadelphia Art Museum, I strongly urge you to take advantage of it. At the very least it's a rare calming and humbling experience that provides priceless life perspective. There's no other feeling similar, and for me personally, it will always be a passageway to my inner child.


-Ryan