Collections Summer 2011 Volume 88 | Page 6

TRAVEL WITH THE COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART Exploring the Art of Italy The treasures of Rome and Florence were revealed to 14 museum members who traveled to Italy May 5 -17. Beautiful, sundrenched skies greeted the group as they took in the artistic wonders from Ancient Rome through the Baroque—Caesar to Bernini. Each person had their own WOW moments, but the after-hours private twohour tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms (followed by a memorable long walk through the deserted hallways of the Vatican) ranked among many as one of life’s highlights. A VIP lunch with Princess Corsini in the gardens of her palace, a wine tasting and dinner at Villa Le Corti in the heart of the Chianti wine region, and visits to the picturesque hill towns of Siena and San Gimignano were part of a packed tour of the art and culture of Italy. Both minds and bodies were exercised. La dolce vita (the sweet life) was de?ned on this trip as great art, food, wine and gelato! Small groups, educational experiences, and behind the scenes access are part of museum travel with the Columbia Museum of Art. For information on future travel opportunities, please visit our website. Travel to the Hudson River Valley this Fall Join the Columbia Museum of Art as we explore the majesty of the Hudson River Valley in all its autumn glory and walk in the footsteps of the Hudson River School painters. The ?ve-day trip will include visits to a variety of museums, historic sites, and private collections. Highlights include stops at: Cedar Grove, the home and studio of Thomas Cole, who is widely considered to be the “founder” of the Hudson River School; Olana, the home and studio of Frederic Edwin Church; and Storm King Art Center, one of the world’s most outstanding sculpture parks situated at the base of the Catskill Mountains. Accommodations will be provided by the historic Beekman Arms—America’s oldest operating inn—located in Rhinebeck, New 4 4 columbiamuseum.org columbiamuseum.org York, and at the Castle on the Hudson, a deluxe property with breathtaking views of the river, located in Tarrytown, New York. The tour package includes luxury tour coach between New York City and the Hudson River Valley, four nights’ lodging, ?ve lunches, and two dinners. October 17 - 21, 2011 Maximum of twenty-?ve participants. More information: columbiamuseum.org Or, contact Brian Lang at 803.343.2204 or [email protected], or Noelle Rice at 803.343.2156 or nrice@ columbiamuseum.org.