University of Glasgow

When asked why the Kelvingrove Gallery was his favorite museum in the world, comedian and Glasgow native Sanjeev Kohli said, “I love a museum that loves me back.” I can see what he means. Whoever is in charge of creating the exhibits for this place deserves some kind of recognition. Every gallery had the most engaging and interactive displays with very thought provoking questions and real world connections. Walking through the door, I was welcomed by an organ recital in one of the main halls playing one of my favorite songs. And the galleries made clear connections to the time and place of the artists. The Dutch painters were brought to life as artists in a culture of wealthy merchants and humanists who were obsessed with daily life. The Scots were bound to the land in the Highlands so they turned their eye to the beauty of the landscapes. One exhibit asked you to put yourself in the place of various people in the painting. Another one asked you to come up with alternative outcomes of the usually tragic story depicted. A fairytale painting of Briar Rose had a little bed next to it decorated to resemble hers, so that kids could cuddle up and pretend to be in a deep sleep. Every culture was represented, every perspective. The whole thing was just so well done and engaging that I was exhausted and had to head back for a nap. There was also an unexpected Rutgers connection as they have a small statue of William of Nassau that is very similar to the huge one of the very same “Willie the Silent” on College Avenue.Read more