The above images of the Water Lilies and The Bedroom at Arles are from Wikipedia.org. Neither museum allowed photography. Flash photography damages the artwork and ALL museums prohibit the use of flash. While most people are respectful I find it seriously disturbing the number of people who are not and use their flash. Even more disturbing is the number of people who march up to a painting and without even taking the time to look, point their camera and take pictures. Then there is the tourist pose, “oh look at me, I saw the XXX (name the painting). But really, they didn’t actually see it. They took pictures of it. I have stood in front of paintings where there are 40 people all jostling to get the best photo. Why not take the time to look at the art and then go to the gift shop? The professionals take much better photos and there won’t be any tourist photobombers in the shots. Being in 2 museums that forbid photography completely was refreshing. I was able to look at a painting without the sound of cameras going off. Without being asked to “take my photo please” and having a dozen cameras shoved at me. Without being asked to move aside so someone could smile in front of the XXX painting. Fellow tourists, stop and look at where you are. Enjoy the moment. Buy the postcard later. But LOOK at what is in front of you. 

OK. Rant over. I loved what I saw today. All 3 of these museums are on my must return to list. It’s going to be a busy week next week.