davis museum & cultural center

We have visited Davis from time to time to see it's special exhibits such as the remarkable sculpture made entirely from piano keys. The admission and parking is free and one can have something nice to eat (not free!) in the Wellesley College cafeteria (the food is quite good). Additionally, one can take a nice walk in the beautiful campus.

Yesterday,I spent a delightful day enjoying this art museum's fine sampling of European and American Art.At this free art museum things are arranged,according to themes(religion,stories,stillife,cityscapes).I especially relished their fine paintings by Giovanni Bonsignori,Valentin de Boulogne("Saint Jerome"),Jan Bijlert("5 Senses"),Jan Beerstatten("Winter Scene"),Paul Cezanne,Leon Joseph Voirin("Paris Street Scene"),and Maurice Utrillo.Americans with works of Art that I especially liked included John Copley,Childe Hassam("Provincetown Street"),Thomas Cole,Alice Neel("Wellesley Girls"),Anthony Angarola("Snowbirds"),and Grandma Moses.I also liked their temporary New Faces exhibit featuring works by Wellesley faculy members,including David Teng Olsen,Daniela Rivera,and Salem Mekuria(video about Addis Ababa,Ethiopia and its street cleaners).This art museum is about a mile from the Wellesley Square commuter rail station.

This is an interesting museum -- attractive galleries, unusual special exhibits, and a collection geared to support the art history curriculum of the college. Always a peaceful place to visit, especially because of its setting at amazing Wellesley College.

Over the years, the college has amassed a remarkable collection to serve its art history students, and is also open free to the public. See Durers, antique African art, mid-century modern, and lots more. In addition, contemporary exhibitions are a terrific attraction. I've seen some of this era's best contemporary artists in this setting. The beautiful building has multiple staircases but is also accessible via an elevator. And there are no crowds--it will be you and the art--and a few students. Check the campus concert schedule, as well and combine it with the museum visit. They also have great films. Be sure to stop by the remarkable greenhouses while you're there--leave at least an hour for that or double it if you want full immersion. The Museum and greenhouses are open only until 4 p.m. on Sundays, and are closed during school holidays, so check the website before embarking.