National Museum of China

Living in China for a year gives me a chance to explore the history of a culture that I know little about.  I've studied various types of histories throughout my years of education and travel though I never had the opportunity until now to study China. I love reading about history and visiting local museums and there are a lot of museums in China. One of the best is the National Museum of China in Beijing located just east of Tian'an Men Square. There is a variety of items on display ranging from art, sculpture, pottery and bronze work.   

Song Dynasty Stone Carvings

During the recent APEC meetings in Beijing, the National Museum of China opened a new exhibit on the Silk Road in China. I honestly get so excited to see pieces that people created and used in their daily lives over a thousand years ago. In all of my years of visiting historic sites and museums, I don't think I've ever viewed anything in person that was dated b.c. However there are a few pieces in this collection that are. Here are a few of my favorite treasures from the Silk Road exhibit:

Bronze Vessel (beginning of 3rd century - 221 B.C.)

Brocade Pillow, Han Dynasty (25-220 A.D.)

Brocade Armlet, Han-Jin Dynasty (202 B.C.- 420 A.D.)

 

Lacquer Sewing Box, Qing Dynasty

This museum has a lot of great items and I can't wait to explore more of the collections on display. Best of all, the museum is free to visit.

Do you have a favorite museum? What did you enjoy seeing lately?

Volo Auto Museum

There are two places that Volo, Illinois is known for: the Volo Blog and the Volo Auto Museum. I lived in Volo for five years and finally made it to both over the summer before I moved to China. I'm not particularly interested in cars so I had no real urgency to visit, but I heard from so many people that it was interesting to see at least once.  So I made a point to check it out for myself.

Blues Brothers

Ghostbusters

Dick Tracy

The museum has a variety of vehicles on display that fill several warehouses. The collection includes cars from movies, celebrities, the military and antiques. Some of the cars from movies are original vehicles used during the filming, while others are reproductions that were used during the promotion of the movie because the originals were destroyed during production.  

Dukes of Hazzard

Knight Rider

Back To The Future

Grease

22 Jump Street

Also on display are vehicles owned by celebrities including Michael Jordan and Oprah. Finally, there are antique cars that are available for purchase.  Overall, it was fun walking around the museum for an afternoon checking out the cars I recognized from the movies I watched as a child.

Michael Jordan

Do you have any unique museums where you live?