I love to see art incorporated into the landscape and over the weekend I got to see a fantastic example. The North Carolina Museum of Art just opened its amazing new building. Amid a fun grand opening festival, many people came out to see the new space.
The museum is on a large piece of land (part of it used to be a prison) and has taken advantage of that space for quite a while. There are many outdoor works of art and lots of trails to explore them.
I believe they have outdone themselves with the new Rodin court. This is part of the Rodin collection (totalling 30 bronzes). The position of The Three Shades at one end of a reflecting pool is awe inspiring.
Rodin Court with The Three Shades
I can’t wait to see how things will look when the bamboo is established—I presume they were planted in root controlling beds. Yesterday was really windy so the pool was a changing tapestry of tiny ripples. The water lilies will add a lovely green contrast to the decomposed granite and the expanse of water—if they aren’t allowed to fully cover the surface of water.
Here’s a close up of The Three Shades:
Rodin's The Three Shades
The lighting out here looks interesting too. I need to go out one evening to check it out. The building glows at night, most of it is diaphanously cloaked—few opaque walls. The interior is so full of light.
So if you are heading to NC, don’t miss the museum (consider a special trip for this). Take time to walk around the whole place, and don’t forget to go inside. By the way, entry is free.
