Museum Case - Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth

The museum I chose to visit was the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. I went Tuesday November 23rd. I chose this museum simply because it was the most convenient and I had also heard good things about it over the years here and there. In my paper I will take you through my experience from start to finish; telling about my favorite and least favorite pieces of art and everything in between. If I had been to an art museum before I do not remember it and definitely did not enjoy it near as much as this time.

The drive out to Fort Worth from Arlington wasn't bad and the traffic had not started for it was not even two o'clock yet. The weather was nice and almost warm for November. Pulling up I saw the Kimbell Art Museum sign and knew I had made it. Then the fun part; parking. The parking was a breeze because first of all it was free and second it was only about fifty yards from the front door. Walking up I saw a couple families with kids approaching and also people dressed nice as if they were coming from work. Opening the door I saw an older woman with grey hair busy writing stuff down. I asked her a couple questions about the museum and then asked if I could barrow a pencil. She let me know where the permanent collection was then told me about the Mayan exhibition that was on the other side. I chose not to indulge in the Mayan world yet because I thought the permanent collection would be more than enough for me to take in the first time. Plus it cost fourteen dollars. On the first level is where I started and casually strolled past the wooden sculptures which I found out were the African and Oceanic collection. The African sculptures where all very well kept and when actually seeing it in person it was a lot more interesting and amazing that in the books. One piece in particular caught my eye. This piece was called 'Standing Oba' and was from the late 18th Century. It was made of bronze or brass and was acquired in 1970. Was art out of Southern Nigeria of Benin City; Kingdom of Benin. The oba was the king and the central subject on Benin royal artwork. This Oba was dressed in full ceremonial regalia, and was doing a ritual dance for his ancestors. After admiring the African art I headed upstairs curiously admiring the open area of the modern building. The Mayan adventure was to my left and a gift shop was in the middle. I looked for a couple minutes but nothing I couldn't live without. I then walked right into the permanent collection and began to slowly look around at first just admiring and noticing how much cooler it is in person. It all began to kind of click how old these really were and how much talent, time and effort went into each piece of art. I liked almost every single one and they were all different in there own way. Some were very colorful some just with a lot of shading. I came across the 'Christ of a woman of Samaria' and it was my favorite so far. Painted in 1619, the picture depicts Jesus helping the woman of Samaria and figures were so realistic and lifelike. The work of art was painted by Guercino who was cross eyed and believed to have painted it for Ludovis ; later Pope Gregory XV. I noticed older gentlemen standing in every room wearing blue suits and standing up very straight. Knowing they probably worked there I asked about the small numbers on each collection. He told me they go along with the recorded tour guide you can listen to. The smaller number was for the children. Which is probable