Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’, on display at the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, depicts a tormented figure holding his head in his hands. His cry pierces the landscape, with the swirling colours of the sunset and fjord behind him. Despite the sense of desperation, the beauty of Oslofjord, which Oslo overlooks, shines through this painting – and there are a number of viewpoints in the city which offer a view of this majestic scenery in panorama. A trip to the capital wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park, where you can walk among the works of another of Norway’s prized artists, or to the host of museums on the Bygdøy peninsula.
The Belvedere Palace in Vienna, once the residence of Emperor Franz Ferdinand, now provides a roof for Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’, painted in gold leaf during what is known as the artist’s Golden Period. The precious passion of the moment radiates out from the entwined couple, saturating the scene in bronze. Booking a city centre hotel in the Austrian capital is highly recommended, and will put the Museum Quarter within easy reach, along with the wealth of cultural and historical sights the city has to offer.
The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, also a former palace of Emperors, is famous for housing the largest collection of paintings in the world. The collection includes ‘Composition VI’ by Wassily Kandinsky, which blends old and new by depicting the urgency and confusion of the biblical Flood in modern, abstract strokes. Russia’s cultural capital has also maintained a strong link with the past; managing, unlike Moscow, to preserve an impressive array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture through the twists and turns of the nation’s volatile history. Float gently down canals, gaze up at the cupolas of Orthodox churches, and soak up this unique Eastern European city infused with a sense of the West – and try and make it for the midsummer White Nights, when it stays light for all 24 hours of the day.
From a city deep rooted in past tradition to a metropolis of sprawling skyscrapers; fast-paced, non-stop New York is a suitable site for Salvador Dalí’s ‘The Persistence of Memory’, which can be found at the Museum of Modern Art. Three pocket watches melt away against an unreal seaside backdrop in this Surrealist image. Afterwards, as you weave your way through Times Square and the mix of aromas wafting up from the hodgepodge of international cuisine; try not to forget what time your Broadway show starts.
Last but not least, Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ form part of the permanent collection at the National Gallery in London. One of a series of ‘Sunflowers’ paintings which have become synonymous with the artist and the idiosyncrasies of his style, the rich shades of yellow bring out a vibrancy and energy that could only come from sunflowers. If only the sun would stay out in London… In the (likely) event that it doesn’t, the abundance of theatres will keep you dry and provide ample distraction. Booking one of the many hotels in the West End will put you a stone’s throw from these and the all the major London tourist attractions.
Booking hotels with Expedia will bring you face to face with all these masterpieces and provide a comfortable base for you to explore their cities.