FRANCE, PARIS, LOUVRE...

Located in Paris, the Louvre has been one of the most famous and most visited museums in the world. Placed on the Right Bank in the First Arrondissement, the Louvre was built in an area between the Seine River and the Rue de Rivoli. This building was originally used as a fortress, and later was used to display art and transformed into a museum.



The museum was formally opened in 1750, and much of the building was used as a gallery to showcase artist's works. It allowed all common people from within France and abroad to view the gallery. Entrance to the museum in the form of a combined ticket (which grants admission to all permanent collections as well as any temporary exhibits) is 13 euros.

The Louvre has over 380,000 pieces of art within its collection. However, only 35,000 of it is on public display. Famous artworks like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo are two of the 11,900 pieces that is publicly displayed at the Louvre. Other lesser known but famous pieces include the Madonna on the Rocks and Oath of the Horatii.



Art enthusiasts can venture into the museum's different sections to view the mass amounts of art work on display. There are eight total sections in the museum: Islamic Art, Paintings, Sculptures, Prints and Drawings, Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, and Decorative Arts.

Amongst their collection, they have large collections of pieces from famous artists such as Rembrandt and David. Famous sculptures such as the Venus de Milo can be found on display within the museum. These famous pieces are some of the many works that visitors often ask about. Plus the Louvre holds one the largest collections of several popular artists, as well as a large collection of pictorials in the world.

While the Louvre is well known for its art collection, there are other collections within the museum that will surprise many people. Outside of the art, the museum has archeology, sculptures, and objest d'art from across the globe. They also have a permanent gallery showing large holdings of furniture, including the Bureau du Roi by Jean Henri Riesener. Some of these works are available in books that are sold at the museum. Temporary exhibits are also held throughout the year on various other elements of the various art movements, in which other parts of the hidden collection will be presented to the public.


DELACROIX. LIBERTY. 1830 LOUVRE COLLECTION

SPAIN, MADRID, PRADO...

For those booking their resort and planning to travel abroad to the beautiful country of Spain, Madrid is likely you first stop. While there, you should invest the time in visiting the Prado Museum, called Museo del Prado.



It offers some 7000 paintings and other art displays. You will find three of the most well known Spanish artists represented here. This includes Goya, El Greco and Velazquez. Still, there are dozens of other artists from around the world represented in this beautiful museum.

The Museum

The museum is located in Madrid centrally. It has beautiful garden surrounding it. Many enjoy spending hours here with its 19th century beauty. It was finally completed in building in 1819. Much of the work here is from the collections purchased by Spanish nobility at that time and over time.

Soon, a new wing will be completed, though there has been some disagreement about it. Many of the pieces that will be displayed here will be those that have been in storage for most of their existence. This includes Pereda and Zurbaran to name a couple that will be now able to be viewed. Even without them, you can enjoy a full day of art works when you visit the museum. You will find plenty from Spanish masters in art. You will also find works by other famous people including Italians, Flemish, Dutch and French artists. Many of these were purchased or taken during the time of Spain's conquests throughout Europe. No matter how they were collected, the fact is that they are a timeless piece of work that can not be overlooked.



Where To Go

You will want to stroll through the Goya enterance located on the ground floor. While there, stop to enjoy the work of Fra Angelico, called La Anunciacion a la Virgen Maria. You will enjoy a range of other pieces here as well. A few steps away is a masterpiece from the Italian Botticelli, Mantegna del Sarto and Corregio. You also want to enjoy the Titian's Venus located here.

You will enjoy Bosch who is considered to be one of the world's best in the genre of surrealism. You will see the Seven Deadly Sins work as well as Garden of Earthly Delights here, too. These were painted in the 16th century, though they are still one of the most amazing you will see. These were once called the artist's vivid imagination. When you move up to the second floor, you will see many 17th century Flemish pieces. This includes Rubens and van Dyck.

Perhaps the main reason to visit is the Goy and El Greco works you will see here. These are the most popular with John the Baptist, The Resurrection and Adoration of the Shepards by El Greco. Goya are here as well, with Saturn Devouring One Of His Sons as one of the most popular.

A visit to the Museo del Prado is one that is a must for anyone visiting Spain's famed Madrid. There is so much to enjoy here, plan to spend the entire day.


THE GARDEN OF EARLY DELIGHT. HYERONYMUS BOSCH. PRADO COLLECTION

WE ARE VISITING MALMO, SWEDEN

Today I'll take you to Sweden. Enjoy the trip to Malmö.



Malmö, once one of Sweden’s prime industrial centres has gone from being a seaport to being one of the most exciting areas of Sweden. Sweden is now closer to the continent With the Oresund bridge connecting Malmö with Copenhagen, Sweden with Denmark and Scandinavia with the continent. In Malmö you´ll find a charming city centre, modern architecture, closeness to the countryside and a wide range of culture, music and sports.

Canals that were once roads for industry transportations are now a popular way to experience the city.
The City Sightseeing busses take you through Malmö easily and comfortably passing all the interesting sites of the city.

The Malmöhus castle is the oldest renaissance castle in the Nordic region.


MALMO CASTLE

In the Middle Ages Denmark’s coins were minted here. This was from where the west side of the city was protected and the shipping traffic on the southern part of Öresund was monitored. Since 1925 “Malmö Museer” has cared for the building and today it works as a museum.

The Oresund bridge is the link between Sweden and the continent.
The bridge is 16 km long and from the shoreline we are invited to a spectacular view of Oresund and our neighbour Denmark.


MALMO. THE ORESUND BRIDGE

The bridge is 16 km long and from the shoreline we are invited to a spectacular view of Oresund and our neighbour Denmark.

The Turning Torso is a skyscraper signed Santiago Calatrava.
It is the second highest residential building, an impressive building that took four years to complete. Inside there are different shops and the restaurant TorsoTwisted where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or have a nice meal.


MALMO. TURNING TORSO SKYSCRAPER

TODAY WE ARE IN STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Stockholm is an unique Scandinavian capital, spread across 14 islands between Lake Malaren and an archipelago with more than 24,000 islands, islets and skerries. It’s easy and enjoyable to explore the area on foot or by boat.


STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

I WANT TO BE ALONE…OR NOT

Native-born actress Greta Garbo surely found Stockholm to be a friendly city with an enviable standard of living. Today Sweden ranks high in modern technology and industry, and offers visitors a wide range of tourist opportunities, including numerous parks, palaces and museums as well as great restaurants, fine design and superb shopping.

When sightseeing, even Garbo’s quest for drama may have been quenched by a visit to Millesgarden, a sculpture park and museum with a dramatic location on Lidingo in the hinterlands of Stockholm. Or perhaps she would have enjoyed Drottningholm Palace, home of the Swedish Royal family and often referred to as the Versailles of the North. On the other hand, the Viking in her soul might have relished the ancient ruins on the island of Bjorko.

You certainly don’t have to be a film star to be enchanted by Gamla Stan – the Old Town – and the tiny adjacent island of Riddarholmen, where you will find the Royal Palace, the Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren) and the Royal Treasury (Skattkammaren). After watching the Changing of the Guards in the Outer Courtyard, stroll the historic and picturesque streets of this oldest part of Stockholm.


YOUR HAVE TO VISIT STOCKHOLM!

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Perhaps most beautiful in summertime, the Archipelago is a dazzling expanse of some 24,000 islands, only 1,000 of which are inhabited. In addition to offering travelers beautiful memories and unequalled photo opportunities, the Stockholm Archipelago presents an exquisite array of shops, restaurants and accommodations throughout the region.
And if thoughts of Sweden conjure memories of ABBA, did you know that Sweden ranks third in the export of music (after the US and the UK)?
With a country larger than the state of California, stretching north of the Arctic Circle, flights to Stockholm mark only the beginning of exciting explorations of Sweden, with interesting connections to the rest of Scandinavia.

MERCEDES-BENZ. KARL BENZ MUSEUM

The Dr. Carl Benz Museum was founded in 1996, following a private initiative. More than 70 vehicles and numerous other exhibits illustrate the life of Karl Benz and document the importance of the automobile’s invention for the history of personal mobility, from the early years to the present day.


DR. KARL BENZ of MERCEDES-BENZ

Many will have reacted with amazement in 1908, when the first C. Benz Söhne automobiles began to leave the workshops, which were originally intended for the production of engines. It is all the more fitting that this cradle of mobility should now regain its old splendor as a lovingly restored industrial monument and car museum. It is not only the historic workshop itself that fascinates the visitor: other highlights such as the last two vehicles built in Ladenburg by C. Benz Söhne and biographical exhibits from the life of Karl Benz, for example his former study, make history come alive. In addition, various Benz and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as other historical exhibits, make a valuable contribution to automotive history.

The progress of personal mobility is illustrated at five different stations:

"Dr. Carl Benz Square". Vehicles bearing the brand name C. Benz Söhne and vehicles produced by Benz & Cie. in Mannheim show why Karl Benz became an automotive legend. The exhibits include the world’s first automobile, the Benz Patent Motor Car of 1886, and the last C. Benz Söhne car of 1924, which was driven by Karl Benz himself.

"Mercedes Avenue". This is a bumper-to-bumper display of famous vehicles in automotive history: Mercedes-Benz cars from the early beginnings of Daimler-Benz AG right up to the early 1950s, including a rear-engined 130 and a 170 S convertible.

"Pit stop". Motor racing has always been of particular importance for automotive development at Mercedes-Benz. A number of motor racing legends are shown here in their customary victory pose.

"Auto-Biography". Extensive documentation and numerous exhibits take the visitor on a journey through the history of the automobile and its times.

"Motorcycle Gallery". In parallel with the car, the motorcycle has always played an important part in the history of personal mobility. A fascinating collection of motorcycles from different periods illustrates its development.

Dr. KARL BENZ and MERCEDES

Karl Benz was born in Karlsruhe on November 25, 1844, the son of an engine driver. His father died just two years after Karl’s birth. Despite her limited financial means, his mother ensured that he received a good education.


Dr. KARL BENZ MUSEUM

Karl Benz attended high school, then studied at the Polytechnic College in Karlsruhe. This was followed by two years of practical study at Maschinenbau-Gesellschaft in Karlsruhe. Karl Benz was given his first paid employment as a technical draughtsman and designer by a manufacturer of weighing machines in Mannheim. On losing this position in 1868 he joined an engineering company which was primarily involved in bridge-building. This employment was followed by a short period in Vienna, likewise with a structural ironworking company.

In 1871 Karl Benz formed his first company together with the mechanical specialist August Ritter. Since Ritter was not a reliable partner, Karl Benz bought him out using the dowry of his bride Bertha Ringer, then managed the company alone.
Bertha Ringer and Karl Benz were married in 1872. Bertha Benz played a decisive role in the later success of the fledgling company. She undertook the world’s first long-distance car journey, and is acknowledged as the first lady motorist in history. Karl and Bertha Benz had five children.

At first business was very poor for Karl Benz. Some of the tools were even pawned in his Iron Foundry and Mechanical Workshop, later also named a Factory for Metalworking Machinery. In the search for new business Karl Benz intensively devoted himself to two-stroke engines during this time. After two years of development time, the first engine ran satisfactorily in 1879. This engine was built on the two-stroke principle, as a patent for the four-stroke engine had already been granted to Gasmotorenfabrik in Deutz in 1877. Benz was also granted several basic patents for the further development of his two-stroke engine, e.g. for the engine speed regulation system. Ignition was by means of his newly developed battery system.

With new sponsors and partners as well as the support of the banks, the couple converted the business into a joint stock company named Gasmotoren-Fabrik Mannheim in 1882. Karl Benz only held a five-percent share of the company himself, however. When the other partners attempted to influence his designs, Karl Benz left the only recently formed company in 1883.