Thursday, April 10, 2014

An Awe-inspiring Americas Collection

Having lived in Greece for more than two years, and falling in love with the country and culture—and the food!—when I visit the Michael C. Carlos Museum I am immediately drawn to the Greek & Roman Collection. And, of course, the Egyptian Collection is a mega-magnet, for me and practically every other visitor...I mean, who isn't fascinated by mummies, right?! 

What I once thought was one of Atlanta's 'best kept secrets', the Michael C. Carlos Museum has a wonderfully impressive collection...and I'm not talking about just the Greek and Egyptian artifacts. 

In this brief post, I hope to compel you to visit and explore more closely their Americas Collection. It too impresses and fascinates.


Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

I visited Mexico when I was in the Navy and many years later I visited Argentina with my best friend—as well-traveled as I like to think I am, those are my only Americas visits south of San Diego. 

We were in Argentina for two weeks—Buenos Aries and Iguazu Falls. And of course we did all the usual touristy things, but our final stop, on the way to the airport to go home, was a visit to their Natural Sciences Museum

It may not have been the Smithsonian caliber that I was used to—I lived in Washington, D.C. at the time—but "Wow!", did it impress! I was captivated, fascinated, and in awe of their collection...and excited to experience how another culture shares a specific collection with locals and visitors. I often wonder how Atlanta's museums are experienced by persons from other cultures.

Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

My point is, the Americas Collection at the Carlos Museum is not to be missed. And it's one of the more spectacularly laid out exhibits I've experienced. I've noted before that the floors alone—featuring subtle maps of the area that's being displayed in the particular gallery you're in—are fascinating. Seriously.

The collection I'll let speak for itself. Just give yourself plenty of time to absorb it's mesmerizing, captive essence.



Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

While we're talking about impressive, the Carlos Museum's ancient Americas collection consists of more than 2,300 artifacts.

"All three principal cultural centers of the Americas are represented: Mesoamerica, Central America, and the Andes. Most of the important art-producing cultures—from the Maya to the Aztec to the Chavin to the Inca—can be appreciated during a visit to the permanent collections gallery." - Carlos Museum Website


Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

Be sure to check out the museum's website for events, programs, tours, and special exhibitions...and more. 

One of the current exhibitions is "Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon: Vixarika Arts of Modern West Mexico."


Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

While the Michael C. Carlos Museum may not be centrally located in our Tourism Corridor—Downtown and Midtown—it's not that far from either. It's on the campus of Emory University, which if you're a fan of architecture, you're in for a double treat!

When you visit Atlanta, please make time to visit this treasure of a museum, and be sure to take in the Americas Collection...I think you'll be glad you did. 

2 comments:

Terry said...

The Carlos is just the greatest and I never seem to get there and I love the oldies. Thanks.

Travis S. Taylor said...

Totally agree, Terry! The Carlos Museum is indeed an Atlanta treasure. I've enjoyed every visit there. Hope you make it back soon!