Travel for Art
an interview with Madeleine Grynsztejn, Pritzker Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Whether visiting a unique museum in Lima or locating a beautiful piece of art in a church setting in Rome, combining art with travel can provide us with the ultimate culture boost. We interviewed Madeleine Grynsztejn, Pritzker Director of the MCA, to learn where to experience art's essence, both near and far.
What are some of your favorite, under-the-radar art destinations?
I love art destinations that are entirely unique due either to their dedication to a singular vision, complete interrelationship with their context, or their preservation of a unique experience for the viewer.
High on that list for me is the Museo Larco in Lima, Perú (where I was born), which is an incredible example of a “house museum,” originally the home of Rafael Larco Hoyle, a pioneer of Peruvian archaeology, and now a public museum housing his extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian art. Another prime example are the colorful displays in the Rufino Tamayo Museum in Oaxaca.
Additionally, for an extraordinary experience that seamlessly blends art and nature, I turn to Japan’s Naoshima islands, specifically the island of Teshima's Art Museum, with its sublime art installation by Rei Naito in collaboration with the architectural firm SANAA. Closer to home, I recommend Glenstone outside of Washington, D.C.
Tell us about one of your favorite memories associated with art overseas that is outside a museum or gallery.
In terms of preserving a true art experience for the ages, there is nothing like sitting inside Venice’s Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni and taking in the jewel-like paintings by the early Renaissance artist Vittore Carpaccio, or hunting in Rome for the few Caravaggio paintings still installed in their original church settings. Looking at masterpieces that have withstood the test of time and survived in place in this way is a deeply human and humbling experience.
What art event(s) are you most excited about for 2023?
The opening of the MCA’s Gary Simmons retrospective in June! It’s the perfect time of year to visit Chicago and see a fantastic overview of an artist at the top of his game, as well as take in all the amazing things Chicago has to offer, including my personal favorites like taking the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour, visiting the always-free Lincoln Park Zoo, seeing a show at Theaster Gates’ Stony Island Arts Bank, catching an outdoor concert at Millennium Park, and feasting on the best food at Lula Cafe.