Cezanne and Beyond….If You Can See Beyond the Crowds
Will and I went to Philadelphia over the weekend to check out Cezanne and Beyond, currently in its final weeks at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exhibit effectively presents Paul Cezanne as the father of modern art by showcasing a collection of his works alongside interpretations of them done by other famous artists. The exhibition is one of the most impressive ever assembled including artwork by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jasper Johns and Elsworth Kelly. Outside of this event, the average person would be unlikely to connect many of these pieces to those of Cezanne but, when viewed side by side, the influence is remarkable and undeniable.
That said, I found my visit extremely frustrating due to the enormous crowds of people at the exhibit. Although tickets are timed, the museum is allowing an oppressive amount of people into the event at once. Not only did we have to wait in a Disneyesque line for 20 minutes before entering, but once inside it was hardly possible to move without bumping into someone. Although I understand the museum has to make money, art is definitely not meant to be seen this way. I saw many people complaining and leaving after giving up trying to see pieces over heads. It’s unfortunate and sad that a museum would take the time and money to put together such a fantastic collection only to present it in a way that no one can really enjoy it.
The exhibition runs through May 31st. If you plan to visit I recommend going on a weekday if possible. Otherwise, be prepared to do some Rocky-style bobbing and weaving!
Cezanne and Beyond at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
You can read my post about our trip to Independence Park in Philadelphia here.
We had the same experience when we went there for the Frida Kahlo exhibit last year. It was worse in Atlanta this Spring at the High Museum. The Terracotta Warriors exhibit though timed was completely overrun with people and strollers. It was laid out so badly that people bunched up constantly. Had we just planned our visit for an hour later it would have been almost empty. So disappointing.
Comment by Travel Muse — May 18, 2009 @ 11:27 am
I really think these museums are only hurting themselves. They are shortening exhibition times and pumping up prices to make as much money as possible but if someone has a bad experience, they are unlikely to become members or even return so it’s not a good long term plan.
Comment by alena — May 18, 2009 @ 2:55 pm