A Fine Day in the RVA (January 9, 2011)

Clear but cool on a sunny Sunday, took a drive out to one of my favorite Richmond areas; The Boulevard. There is a lot of interesting things out there; connects to the Diamond, borders the Fan, Carytown, Byrd Park, connects to Monument Avenue, and for today especially, has some really interesting museums. The perfect thing to do on a chilly day in Richmond. This building always has interested me; great use of a small piece of land between two streets. It is just a block from the trees, big houses, and the statues of Monument Avenue. It is also close to two very fine museums, the Virginia Historical Society and its right next door neighbor the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Both offer a lot to see, and free admission (which is great in times such as these). Took a great walk around the Virginia Historical Society, and especially enjoyed their "Oddities" exhibit; some very interesting things to see in there. I have a number of photos on my photo page which you can see via the link at this site. Been there quite a few times and enjoy my visits there every time.
Went for the second time to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. There is a great variety of art there, and some really remarkable things. Since my first (which would be the last visit) they have changed a lot of the exhibits. Some of the galleries DO require admission, but general admission is free. This room was very interesting. It was donated by New York City from what I read, and dated to around 1860, was the furnishings of a New York City Apartment. This museum is a lot more than paintings and sculpture, though they have a great deal of that as well. This though was a very interesting time capsule and a rare look at a long gone period.
Another interesting long gone period was these two pieces of Roman art. Read that the statue was of the Roman emperor known as Caligula. Like Julius Caesar, he was stabbed to death and all of his statues were ordered to be destroyed. This is one of only two known to exist. "Box" at right was a Roman coffin; the custom of burial rose in Rome with the rise of Christianity (according to the information on the wall nearby). VMFA is the kind of place where you can learn something or see something brand new (even when its very old) every time you visit it. Today's visit will certainly not be my last to either of these two museums.
Finally, have been interested in checking out some of the local music in the area. Made my way to the nearby Cary Street Cafe, which is said to be "Richmond's Oldest Hippie Bar", but was filled with very nice people, a large group of which was making some very fine music. Very friendly people behind the bar, very reasonable food and "beverage" prices, and a very nice vibe was what I found there. Frankly I could have listened to that group play all night long. It was their "Old Time Jam" and saw people while I was there come and go in that circle. All instrumental music, but it was very fine, and like with the museums I will be back to the Cary Street Cafe.
Have posted previously a number of Christmas photos, and got a kick tonight (and a smile) while up Midlothian Turnpike near 288 where a dentist office was all lit up with its Christmas lights still; and that brought a smile to my face on this cold January 9 night. They had a big display, and it was nice to see that again (even have bears in the dentist chairs at the front windows). This was a very fine day in Richmond, where I think it is safe to say, that if you are not having a fun or interesting time in this city....you are not trying!