There’s no place like a historic building in which to view artifacts of the past – and such is the case over the next three months at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
An intriguing exhibit entitled “Arms and Armor from Imperial Austria” is on display at the CMA until June 1, and brings to Ohio a collection of Durer engravings, the work of court painters and, of course, a large number of period weapons and armor. The final piece of the exhibition shows a number of armored figures in various states of attack, some wielding massive spears. While showing the more troubling side of European history, this is nevertheless a unique opportunity to experience the past in a powerful way.
The space is also an attraction – as the other special exhibition at the CMA is the “Building for the Future Exhibition,” which profiles the restoration and expansion plans for the 1916 main building. The original Beaux-Arts structure was expanded in 1971 with an addition designed by no less than Marcel Breuer, whose only skyscraper design, the Cleveland Trust Tower, still stands some blocks to the west. The newest expansion is a provocative one with a soaring glass canopy.
Sounds like a good reason for a weekend trip to Cleveland. To view the CMA website and an overview of the two exhibitions, click here.
Photo: Model, Cleveland Museum of Art expansion project -- nanovivid/Creative Commons License
