By Lexi Mitchell, to Museum Spotlight Europe (December 2023)
On the first part of our cruise, we sailed from Iceland to England. Here on the final leg of the trip, we’ll be starting in Ireland and concluding the tour in Norway.
Waterford, Ireland
If you want to get the most out of this beautiful Irish town, I highly recommend purchasing a Freedom of Waterford museum ticket. This fast pass will get you into 4 museums plus a walking tour of the landmarks around that city center. Book the Freedom Pass at waterfordtreasures.com
Irish Medieval Museum
Do not be fooled by the modern lobby, one trip down an old stone stairway and you are transported into the medieval times of Ireland. A rich collection of artifacts will not only lead you through the history of the town, but also give you a glimpse into centuries of Irish culture. Vikings age relics, political documents, and religious relics make up some of this great collection.
The museum is centered around renovated ruins of the old city, and its entrance stuns all who walk through. Entering into an underground lobby, the fine stonework has been refurbished to replicate medieval times. Information about how the space was used long ago is shown alongside magnificent objects like a model ship made entirely of fine metals, and a detailed wooden chest. Other exhibits on this level show a model of the city of Waterford, as well as an overview of the city’s officials.
The second level hosts history on the war between England and Ireland. There is a very interesting video explaining a bit of the complicated political history of this area. Even without the video, the museum unfolds the ownership of the land of Ireland and intertwines this political topic with information about culture and everyday life.
Overall, the many display cases of interesting artifacts from centuries of Irish history. Models of viking towns give visitors a picture of what life was like then. Religion played a very important role in Irish history, so this is the focus of many parts of the museum. Relics and decor are explained in detail. Most notably the museum has an impressive collection of Medieval vestments, the only to survive in Northern Europe. It is a highlight of the museum.
See more here: waterfordtreasures.com/museum/medieval-museum/
Bishop’s Palace
This densely packed maze of Irish and Waterford history is a bit of a cultural time machine and a bit of a history museum. Stunning decor and artwork fill the walls of the first few rooms—they are made as recreations of its former luxurious state. Next, discover rooms of detailed recounts of the most important aspects of Waterford history. It is a lot of information to take in, but the combination of written history and artifacts offer something interesting for everyone.
Photo by Bishop’s Palace
See more here waterfordtreasures.com/museum/the-bishops-palace/
Irish Silver Museum
As the clever name suggests, this museum is centered around silver, with a fascinating array of objects dating back hundreds of years. The museum reads more like a gallery than a museum. Packed densely with silver trophies, tableware, tools and more, the museum is focused on displaying an impressive amount of silver objects. It is less focused on educating about the history or processes associated with silver in Ireland. Case by case you can see the objects slowly progressing through time, it is clear to see some changes in the styles and themes of those objects. Everything is clear to see and also well labeled. The collection takes under an hour to browse, however it’s a fascinating collection that you will certainly find nowhere else.
See more here: waterfordtreasures.com/museum/the-museum-of-silver/
Irish Museum of Time
A little niche sliver into the world of clocks, this museum is full to the brim with interesting objects, and still manages to educate about the subject matter.
The large open lobby opens with a room recreated to be a clock maker’s workbench. This little corner may be one of the most fascinating parts because it explains a bit about the mechanics of clocks. Spread from top to bottom of the rest of the lobby are watches and clocks of all kinds. Glass display cases invite visitors to get up close and personal with the smallest pieces, while the largest ones have no case at all, giving you even more visual access.
Photo by The Irish Museum of Time
If you are particularly interested in learning about the history of time-keeping, there is a timeline on the side of the room that explains many centuries of human development in this area.
The museum extends to the second floor, where spinning tables showcase the grandfather clocks from different cities. Delicate little dings and booming chimes go off every few minutes, making the museum as much of an auditory adventure as a visual one. There are many objects in the museum that are intricate enough to be pieces of art. Spending time here might grow an appreciation for how clocks have brought together the science, mechanics and visuals of timekeeping.
See more here: www.waterfordtreasures.com/museum/the-museum-of-time/
Stockholm, Sweden
Nobel Prize Museum
Offering both a deep dive into every Nobel prize winning topic and an overarching view of the historic award, this museum is a really special treat for those visiting Stockholm. Upon entering, a slowly moving belt shuffles along pictures of every Nobel prize winner above you. Though it doesn’t allow you to read much about each person, it leaves an exciting impression before you even begin to explore.
Like many museums, the Nobel Prize Museum offers a free audio guide, available online. This guide will take you through the significant pieces of the museum, particularly the cases that line the entrance on one side of the museum. It will tell you about Alfred Nobel, and highlighted areas of the research represented.
In addition to the audio guide, introductions to this year’s winners have video and audio stops around the entrance of the museum. Though it would take hours to watch every topic, I recommend picking a few favorites to learn about.
For an overview of the richest stories, find the cases with objects related to Nobel Prize winners with a brief explanation of their contribution. Some of the most interesting prizes are showcased here, including Nigerian novelist Wole Soyinka and researcher Barry Marshall.
For a child-friendly approach, shelves of glowing flasks represent the work of Marie Curie, and particular objects are labeled to show different aspects of her work. Other stations like this may serve as a great tool to engage children in learning about Nobel Prize winning topics.
To dive deeper into the hundreds of prize winning research, interactive screens separate the information by decades. True nerds will have a field day picking out topics from each section to learn about. Paragraph after paragraph of information could leave you dizzy, so I recommend supplementing your deep dive with a sit down in the theater room, where films play mini documentaries about Nobel Prize winners.
Overall, the museum is dense, interesting, and very visually stimulating. It may not be the most exciting museum for those wanting something interactive, but most certainly all ages and interests can learn something important from the Nobel Prize Museum.
For all about the museum, go to nobelprizemuseum.se/en/
National Museum
Packed with art spanning from medieval to contemporary, this beautiful museum is a great visit for people with all levels of art knowledge.
The architecture of the museum itself is lavish, evidence of its history having been under royal ownership for quite some time. Decorated with stone reliefs, marble columns, and sculpted archways, the main staircase is art itself, and very much sets the tone for the rest of the museum. With a combination of permanent and temporary exhibitions, you can choose your own adventure as to where to begin. It is a huge museum, making it very difficult to see everything in a day. For that reason I recommend looking at the temporary exhibitions to see if anything catches your eye.
Until January 7th 2024, there is an exhibition called The Garden. It shows connections between six centuries of art and the inspiration of gardens. The exhibition is not set up chronologically, allowing you to enjoy each piece as its own unit, uninfluenced by its time and culture. Big names like Peter Paul Rubens, Claude Monet, and Auguste Renoir appear here, and are definitely not to be missed.
Photo by Cecilia Heisser/Nationalmuseum
On a completely opposite theme, see modern and contemporary American crafts in Beauty and the Unexpected. Open until the 23rd of February 2024, this amazing collection has all mediums of arts represented, and as such provides thought provoking ideas that come with new arts. With largely sculptural works, technology and new processes for craft are clear to see.
Photo by Viktor Fordell/Nationalmuseum
This transitions quite easily to a temporary exhibit of silver donations, available to view until 23 June 2024. Representing the donations and support of many people and institutions, the luxurious metal is simply a fascinating view.
In the permanent exhibitions, visitors experience a timeline of the arts, working through every century and style slowly. Joseph Ducreaux’s self portraits will catch the eye of the internet savvy, having been a popular meme throughout the years. Stunning landscapes by Nordic artists like Thomas Fearnley and Gustaf Wilhelm Palm will catch the eyes of nature lovers. Still more of every type of art is represented on this timeline. Stunning portraits and still life paintings are packed from floor to ceiling. Crafted objects like clocks and dressers are shown next to the pieces of fine art. Together, they create a whirlwind of art and design that very few museums are able to capture.
After checking out the temporary and permanent exhibitions, make sure to pass through the sculpture garden. The beautiful open space with natural light has great pieces. Mostly white marble, it’s like walking through a strange party where all the people have been transformed. It is truly one of the most visually stunning parts of the museum.
Photo by Anna Danielsson/Nationalmuseum
The museum is one of so many great options in Stockholm, but I would not pass it up if you have a few days in the city.
To see what’s on, visit www.nationalmuseum.se/en
Vasa Ship Museum
A standout for maritime geeks and history lovers, this excellently designed museum has something for the whole family. While the star of the show is the giant well-preserved Vasa warship, the museum has done a great job of showcasing history, culture, and science related to the ship. At nearly 400 years old, the Vasa ship is a one of a kind artifact.
When you enter, the bow of the ship looms over you. Extending far across the giant lobby, the ship’s size is staggering and the beauty captivates. Just to see that relic alone is worth the trip. As you climb multiple levels and traverse nearly every edge of the ship, you will see beautifully detailed carvings. The stories and meanings are explained thoroughly. Plaques around the ship also tell about its creation, the life of those onboard, and of course its untimely destruction.
Beautiful statues have been recreated to look like the originals decorating the ship. This is a great way to see how they would have been originally painted. It is a little look into the art and design of the whole thing (which is very interesting given its designation as a war ship). Yet, seeing the ship’s beautiful color can explain why it stood as the symbol of the Swedish king’s power.
The information doesn’t stop at the physical ship. There is a reconstruction of the inside of the ship with cannons, allowing visitors to feel what it would be like to walk along the main deck. Collections of many artifacts from people related to the ship’s existence are shown to explain how soldiers and sailors would have lived onboard. Special attention is paid to the role that women played at this time, as well as a tribute to the women who died in the ship’s sinking.
Aside from the history of the ship, the museum also explains exactly how the ship was raised from the bottom of the bay, and brought to the surface. Keeping it intact was not an easy feat, and the science behind that process is extremely interesting. Other artifacts also teach about the science of ship building and sailing.
For more, visit vasamuseet.se/en
Tallinn, Estonia
St. Nicholas’ Church/ Niguliste Museum
Located in Vanillin, Tallinn in the Balkan country of Estonia, St. Nicholas’ Church has medieval and early modern ecclesiastical art with a great view of the city from its tower. At the time of my visit, the religious works were highlighting early renaissance artist Michael Sittow. Many decades of altar pieces, paintings, and sculpture demonstrates his skill in taking the best from his travels around Europe. His success in the Netherlandish style in the early renaissance made him desirable to royals of many countries. His religious work is easy to appreciate with the clear labeling and interactive boards.
Other artists and their workshops are also displayed in the museum. Having access to so many early religious art pieces is a treat. I not only appreciated the vast collection, but also how much it taught me about artists in Tallinn that I never heard of, such as Hermen Rode.
In addition to this exhibition, the museum has some amazing historical objects on display. These include silver goblets and guild crests, wooden family crests, and religious relics. On the second floor of the tower, a pair of church bells hang.
For medieval lovers, view the 15th century artwork Dance of Death. This seven and a half meter long artwork is by Bernt Notke. Figures such as skeletons and clergymen dance together as in a parade. The piece may have been three or four times as long in its original form, and now only a part of it survives. The museum not only excellently displays this unique artifact, but it explains the cultural significance of this kind of artwork. In medieval times, the Dance of Death was a warning to be a faithful Christian.
After you visit the great exhibitions, make sure to head up the tower to see the city from above. Some of the best pictures of Tallinn can be taken up there and you can also spot your next destinations around the old town.
For more information visit nigulistemuuseum.ekm.ee/en/
Kadriorg Palace
Kadriorg palace not only boasts an interesting history, but has an impressive collection of art to adorn its beautiful architecture. Although a visit alone will be impressive, I highly recommend getting on a guided tour if possible (especially for those visiting from a cruise ship).
Colorful and precise, the French-style gardens at the back of the palace will probably catch your eye first. Once you get your pictures and walk in, head inside to the beautiful marble lobby, adorned with statues and art works. At the time of my visit, the temporary exhibition was one of photography in Ukraine during the war. It was sobering and tragic, especially when contrasted with the building’s history in Russian control.
Built in 1718 by Tsar Peter the Great of Russia, the building has passed many hands in its history. For many decades, however, it has been a part of the Art Museum of Estonia. Because of this, the exhibitions have an impressive array of art from all over Europe. Everything from Golden Age Netherlandish art, to Italian late Renaissance and Rococo are represented in the permanent exhibition. Kadriorg also seamlessly incorporates craftwork like silver and porcelain.
To finish it all off, the details of the interior of the palace are like art itself, creating an environment unlike most art museums. Until March 3rd, the temporary exhibition, The Art of Adapting shows a curated selection of artworks from many eras demonstrating how humans interact with and adapt to nature.
See more at kadriorumuuseum.ekm.ee/en/
Helsinki, Finland
Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum
Filled to the brim with exciting contemporary art, Kiasma is an exciting and ever changing display of some of the best art from around the world. The modern and dynamic spaces allow for a very interactive view of the art. With temporary exhibits always changing, check out the website at kiasma.fi/en/ to see what is on.
Until January 28th, visitors can see Ars Fennica, an exhibition that presents the nominees for Finland’s most significant visual-art prize. Artists from Finland and beyond present their work and the best artist is announced by a panel during the time it is exhibited.
Finally, until February 25th Dineo Seshee Raisibe Bopape is exhibiting her work in the exhibition titled, (ka) pheko ye – the dream to come. largely installations, for the first time in a Nordic country. From South Africa, her work focuses on African lore as well as the female condition.
Dineo Seshee Raisibe Bopape. Photo: Frantsila / Miki Tokairin / Anna Karhu-Cormier
To see what is coming, go to kiasma.fi/en/
Norway, Oslo
Munich Museum
Known simply as “Munch,” this museum offers both an impressively large collection of works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, as well as space for contemporary exhibitions. With a large collection left by the artist himself, it is a beautiful dedication to his place in the art world as well as in the development of the expressionist style.
Many floors of the museum divide up the paintings, graphical prints, and drawings by the famous artist. They create themes and ideas to think about his work more closely. Most visitors will want to scramble up to the fourth floor directly to see his most famous work: The Scream (1893). A crowd is always gathered here. Many people travel far and wide to see just a glimpse of this revolutionary artwork. Around this dark crowded room, is fantastic information about the piece and its development. Owning eight versions of the final piece, the museum has a constant rotation of drawing, painting, and lithograph print available to see. There is a strict regimen of rotation to preserve the piece for future generations.
Spilling out into the rest of the hall, you can see all the different stages and style’s of Munch’s art. He has a beautiful eye for portraits, which is shown very well on this floor. Storytelling, fantasy, and nature show up constantly in his works. The other galleries show his monumental works, which require two floors of vertical space; Other galleries explain his printmaking and drafting skills, demonstrating his exact process, as well as remains of his various pieces.
Besides the floors of galleries dedicated to Edvard Munch, there is a rotation of temporary space that will show other artists. Until February 11, there is a special display of Fransisco Goya and Munch together. The first of this kind, the exhibition aims to show similarities between the themes present in both artist’s work.
Photo: Guttorm Stilén Johansen © Munchmuseet
Get your tickets at munchmuseet.no/en/
Kon-Tiki Museum
Taking you through a pacific adventure, this museum follows the story of Thor Heyerdahl and his raft the Kon-Tiki. After walking into the museum, you are welcomed by the actual Kon-Tiki raft. It towers above you, and yet, it seems so inadequate for crossing the terrifying ocean.
As you work your way around the room, the history and story are interspersed with artifacts from the trip. It is easy to follow, informative, and very interesting.
Scientists largely reject the idea that South Americans (as opposed to Austronesians) originally settled in Polynesia. This was Heyerdahl’s original working theory. There is evidence of a connection between South American people and Polynesia. The Kon-Tiki expedition proved that it would have been possible for Pre-Columbian South Americans to navigate such a far way across the Pacific.
In addition to the information about the raft and the trip, the museum shares other interesting information about the Polynesian islands such as a recreation of an ancient cave, and real artifacts excavated from Easter Island. Heyerdahl was very passionate about Polynesia and his research there is excellently displayed as well.
While it was the Kon-Tiki that brought him fame, Thor Heyerdahl continued to do many other maritime adventures. The museum displays the Egyptian papyrus boat “Ra II”, which Heyerdahl used to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Like the Kon-Tiki, Ra II has detailed information and artifacts to go along with the impressive reed craft.
For more information, visit kon-tiki.no/
There are so many options when traveling by cruise across northern Europe. I always recommend going on a hike, taking excursions, or wandering around the city. The nature of these ports is especially incredible. However, the opportunity to learn from unique museums all over the world is not to be missed. It is a great way to break away from the crowd and do something that interests you. It can often be cheaper and easier than excursions. More importantly, the chance to learn about the great country you are in is so special. Art, nature, history, are all ways we can connect to new places.
Cover photo: City view of Tallinn, Estonia with St. Nicholas’ Tower
