A little taste of history, one morsel at a time.
Today on Museum Bites we’re scaling the Hoover Dam. More than 70 stories high and made of 6 ½ million tons of concrete, this massive barrier was built to rein in the Colorado River. Despite political pettiness, agonizing work conditions, and a fierce and unforgiving river, the Hoover Dam was completed under budget and in record time. Join me for a look at this impressive feat of engineering. We begin along the shores of the Colorado River…
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re dipping our toes into Buddhism with a closer look at an enchanting statue of Guanyin (1127–1279 CE, Southern Song Dynasty) on display at the San Diego Museum of Art. This statue of the bodhisattva of infinite compassion and mercy was carved from 16 pieces of wood that have been fused together and decorated with colorful pigments. Join me for a quick head-to-toe tour.
Dear Readers – COVID-19 has put the kibosh on travel among many, many other things so today I’m diving into the archives. As we do our part to practice social distancing and flatten the curve, please enjoy this reboot of Cracklin' Rosé, originally posted on February 1, 2019. Note, readers in North America had just endured a frigid polar vortex.
Today on Museum Bites we’re kicking off the spring season with a celebration of bunnies. Whether he’s outwitting Elmer Fudd, going after the throats of silly medieval knights, or bringing us baskets of sweets, these long-eared hoppers are a furry delight. Join me for a brief look at bunnies who dance, bring luck, serve up soup, and so much more. We begin on the African savanna…
Take a deep breath because today on Museum Bites we’re striking a match and lighting up some incense. This ancient form of aromatherapy dates back to the Egyptians and has been used to call forth the gods, chase away demons, offer up prayers, purify a room, honor ancestors, enhance meditation, and so much more. I’ve come across a variety of incense burners on my museum travels. Join me for a closer look at three delightful examples. We begin by rolling back the clock to the 6th century…
Sunlight is waning and winter is knocking on the door at Museum Bites. In honor of these seasonal changes, we’re going to light the lights. Join me for a brief look at four ancient lamps from around the world. We begin by dialing the clock back to the 14th century…
Today on Museum Bites we’re getting ready to fall back in time. The season is changing and for many of us, our clocks are too. In celebration of an additional hour, we’re sampling a treasure trove of tickers. We begin in Chicago…
Happy Friday! Today on Museum Bites we’re touring the Art Institute of Chicago. From patriotic panes to a swift ride through the Swiss countryside, we’ll sample a colorful and eclectic collection of artwork. We begin with a Ferris Bueller favorite…
Today on Museum Bites we’re kicking off the spring season with a celebration of bunnies. Whether he’s outwitting Elmer Fudd, going after the throats of silly medieval knights, or bringing us baskets of sweets, these long-eared hoppers are a furry delight. Join me for a brief look at bunnies who dance, bring luck, serve up soup, and so much more. We begin on the African savanna…
Happy Friday! Today on Museum Bites we’re bidding the polar vortex adieu with a robust glass of red. Wine is an ancient brew that dates back more than 7,000 years and throughout the ages, it has played an integral role in our lives. From grape to glass, we lovingly cultivate it, rejoice its harvest, take pains to pair it, and get sniffy about age and blend. And in all the fuss we’ve come up with some rather interesting wine accoutrement. Join me for a brief look at some of the wine gear I’ve come across in my travels. But first, a little background…
Museum Bites 