Open-air museums are one of the most unusual and beautiful art objects in the world. Designers from many countries embody their fantasies in unusual sculptures. Often nature itself creates something special. We present you 10 museums without walls, from areas of Japan to rural landscapes of England.
1
Storm King Art Center, Mountville, New York
The park was founded in 1960 to showcase the majestic movement of the Hudson River. Then Storm King Art Center has become one of the leading sculpture parks to date. Now the park has more than 100 works by contemporary artists who dot the landscape of pastoral hills, breathtaking vistas and calm ponds.
Among the authors are such authoritative artists as Isamu Noguchi, Maya Lin, Alexander Lieberman, Richard Serra and Barbara Hepsward. Storm King Art Center is an hour's drive north of New York in the Hudson River Valley. It is an ideal place for art and nature lovers.
2
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Nome, New Orleans
Spangled with magnolias, stitched with narrow paths and natural lagoons, this sculptural complex in Louisiana boasts a collection of more than 60 sculptures from leading contemporary artists. Among them are Henry Moore, Antoine Bourdelle, Fernando Botero and others. While walking in the park, do not miss the opportunity to see a surreal sculpture by Rene Magritte called "Proceedings of Alexander." This is a kind of bronze stump, the roots of which seem to flash the ground. Also interesting object “Necklace Tree” by Jean-Michel Otoniel. A massive oak tree, hung with huge necklaces that weigh among moss and branches. This quaint garden is located next to the New Orleans Museum of Art.
By the way, on most-beauty.ru you can see a list and photos of the most unusual museums in the world.
3
Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden, Los Angeles
It is the landscape in such special parks that inspires sculptors to create their works. But in the sculpture garden of Fran and Ray Starks, which is located at the entrance to the center of Paul Getty, landscape architects designed the park itself for art. The sculptures miraculously combine with nature, in a complex with secluded areas. There are quiet places for easy contemplation. The park has works by artists Noguchi, Elizabeth Frink, Peter Shelton and others. Interesting works “Mother and Child” by Henry Moore, wavy bronze, as if repeating the bends of the surrounding hills.
4
Sculptural Foundation Kassa, Sussex, England
The Cassa Sculpture Foundation, created in 1992 by Wilfred M. Jeannette Cass, contains works by both young and famous artists. The foundation supports talented sculptors from the beginning of their work to exhibitions and sales. The forest area is 10 hectares. Many winding roads lead to over 80 modernist works. Almost all of them can be purchased. Revenues go to artists as well as to the fund. In the park, you should definitely go to the Thomas Heatherwick Pavilion and see its glass structure with a curved roof, which at the same time seems accessible and closed to visitors.
5
Hakone Open Air Museum, Hakone Mati, Japan
Opened in 1969, the Hakone Museum is Japan's first open-air museum. Its main goal is to create a harmonious dialogue between art and nature. The vast territory of the park offers stunning views and landscapes with monumental works and exhibitions in various areas of art.
One of the most impressive visual exhibits is the Wooden Network by architects Tezuka and Toshiko Horiuchi. They set up a colorful knitted design where children can climb, crawl, jump and play. The sculpture of Gabriel Loire, a tower made of steel and frosted glass with a spiral staircase in the center, surprises with its idea and unusualness. You can climb on it and enjoy the stunning views. After a walk through the park, visitors can relax in the steam room of the museum, which is also an art object. The museum is an 85-minute drive from Tokyo and is open year-round.
6
Le Domine Park, Le Muy, France
Opened in 2015 in the south of France, Le Damine de Muy Park became the dream come true of its founder and former art director Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand. The park was opened with the help of his son Edward. It is a closed territory, which is open to the public by appointment. Here you will find monumental works in an unspoilt environment.
Among the artists are Louis Benes, Simon Lamunier and Indy Mahdawi. The park has a well-thought-out architectural theme, which is carefully selected in accordance with the environment. While walking in the park, don't miss the Yayoi Kusama daffodil garden, which consists of 1,600 stainless steel spheres floating on the surface of the pond. Also, the geometric picture of Claudia Comte, which is visible only at certain angles.
7
Ekeberg, Oslo, Norway
Spectacular viewing platforms, the diversity of natural landscapes and the spectacular sculptures of Rodin, Renoir and others make the Ekeberg Park attractive for both nature lovers and art lovers. The park was opened in 2013 by Christian Ringnes.
It occupies 10 hectares of woodland in the southeastern part of Oslo and is open to all for free all year round. The park can be proud of the presence of nesting sites for more than 40 species of birds, various wild and domesticated animals, rare trees and plants, as well as an interesting landscape. Among this natural beauty are sculptures of Venus Victrix, Renoir and other sculptors.
8
Chianti Sculpture Park, Tuscany, Italy
In the Chianti sculpture park, the landscape itself inspires artists. First, artists are invited to visit the forest and choose a place for future creation. This entailed permanent exhibitions and shows. The park is the brainchild of Rosalda and Piero Jadrossi. It was opened in 2004 and extends over 7 hectares. Here you should see the glass labyrinth from the architect Jeff Savard, as well as the monumental glass sculpture "Energy" from Kostas Varotsos, which changes its appearance depending on the light.
9
Inhotim, Brumadinho, Brazil
Bernando Paz, who is the ambitious creator of Inhotim, sees his creation not only as a museum or park, but also as a way of life. The park is known as the only Brazilian institution with a collection of world-class contemporary art at a permanent exhibition. Inhotim Park seeks to bring each visitor to unity with art and nature.
The park has its own botanical garden with many rare plants. Visitors are invited to an active holiday during which they can contemplate various sculptures and objects. Exciting works include the work of sculptors Anisha Kapura, George Miller and others. Stunning views can be seen through the observation deck of the Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. When visiting Brazil, most-beauty highly recommends that you try to get to this beautiful place.
10
Krelller-Muller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands
With one of the largest sculpture collections in Europe, the Krelller-Muller sculpture garden contains more than 160 works by artists such as Aristide Mayol, Jean Dubuffet, Marta Pan, Pierre Huyge and others. The natural wonderland is open to the public all year round. Every season, something new and interesting is introduced into the architecture.
In the garden, visitors can see the cylindrical sculpture of Richard Serra, as well as the bright red steel sculpture of Marc Dizuervo. You should definitely go to the local museum, which houses the world's second largest collection of Van Gogh paintings.