I've spent a lot of time in art museums, probably more so than the average person. And, while some may consider the art museum a place of rest and reprieve while traveling, for others like myself, it can be a complete headache. We want to cram it all in, look at everything, and appreciate it all. If you've ever left an art museum light headed, blurry eyed and completely drained, this post is for you.
Rest those eyes and your feet. We often forget to sit down when we're in a museum, and when we're finished it's off to hike to the next site and we wonder why our feet are killing us. Take some time to sit down and relax, there's usually a comfy spot to do so. And you've got art to entertain you on the walls while you rest. But, don't forget your eyes, as well. All of that looking can wear them out. Take a break, head to the gift shop or the café and let your eyes unfocus.
It's not a race, so take your time. Spend some time resting or linger at a favorite work. You never know what you might notice. When I visited the Uffizi, my sister and I took a break in front of Botticelli's Birth of Venus. We could have easily checked it off our list and moved on, but we would never have noticed that despite all of his skill at painting minute details, Botticelli lacked the ability to paint attractive feet.
That is exactly how I feel after leaving a museum- all that self-induced and unnecessary stress. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you for this simple but very useful advice. I find that when I visit large museums, my muscles (particularly shoulders) become very tense, and I feel lightheaded and fatigued by the end. I am so attracted to the art that it is almost a compulsion, and I don't look away until the tension has already developed! This article is a great reminder to be a more moderate observer.
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