GUGGENHEIM HERMITAGE MUSEUM

BY Ed Bruce edbrucevegas@yahoo.com

TBCOTA....THE BEST CITY OF THEM ALL....the old Forest Duke byline for Las Vegas....this visit another example of the theme.

The three words in the title just grab me......Guggenheim (implies art) ....Hermitage (implies Russian art museum)....Museum (implies lots of varied art) ....THIS is classical art at the Venetian Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. The pieces belong to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York....value in the millions.....quality entertainment to the world.....priceless. 37 masterpieces which include the big names....Cezanne, Chagall, van Gogh, Monet, Manet...........
This short visit from the east is divided into four thematic sections--portraiture, landscape, still life, and genre painting-- which represent four of the five categories (along with history painting) of acceptable subject matter established by the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in the 17th century. See.... we have learned something here in the first paragraph...I don't know what it means....I like labels and I am glad I now know !

Oh boy, was this fun....mom always said try it you might like it...I have tried the masters and really appreciate the story and their history.

Let's look at the big picture ! The entire Venetian Casino Hotel is a museum....the exterior with its canals and music from the Phantom...the Phantom theatre....the hotel lobby with overhead Michaelangelo type frescos......the ceiling lobby with the same....the valet parking entrance with more classical overheads (unstrategically placed sprinkler heads included) and to top it off the Guggenheim ! I have been to the Phantom at the Venetian, the wax museum at the Venetian and now the Guggenheim at the Venetian, I am going back to the Venetian to do the canals and just comeback often to look around !

I remain hungry for the arts and got a special hat trick at the Guggenheim with a personal tour from Elizabeth Herridge, Managing Director, it is special to absorb information from quality experts with enlightning educational histories who genuinely believe in their mission (Elizabeth is available). Second part of the hat trick, my aggressive interlopping into docent Beverly's tour......just incredible to hear her stories of the art and see her personality and enthusiasm for what she was doing....thanks Beverly. Third part of the hat trick was an accompanying audio aide to the paintings....17 of the 37 were included and for the avid patron they could have done audio for all 37.....the audio tour for me ran about 45 minutes. Some reactions to the audio tour.....how could you not use this tool ? History, stories, background, technique, moods, family, chronology.....so many story lines to the subject, most importantly they point out things I did not see ! ! ! Audio sound was clear, I am sure it was accurate and I know it was well written....background music in some segments seemed to be about right.....this is a touchy subject for me and Elizabeth wanting my input....HERE IT IS. When I hear Johnny Mathis and Neil Sedaka I want lyrics.....not the pounding of drums and noise......background should enhance and be a non issue....not distracting......about right here ! The audio itself reason enough to repeat your visit if you are going to listen and learn pay attention, I am sure I need a replay! This exhibit has been extended thru April it encompasses educational visits for students and special groups.

I am still reading my press kit and still enjoying my Guggenheim experience.....how rich my life is !
The experience was tops for me but for you the issue is to have the experience..take it !

All stories are graded on the entertainment standard Sammy Davis Jr. All stories graded against the three standard negatives....too late...too loud .....too dark......none of that here..... 100 A+