The Museum of Modern Art will reopen November 20 after its $858 million makeover. “The new museum encompasses about 630,000 square feet of new and renovated space on six floors. The total exhibition space will increase to 125,000 square feet from 85,000 square feet, with galleries nestled around a 110-foot-tall atrium, which has views of the city from each floor.”
Tag: 04.07.04
What Happened To Petrarch’s Skull?
Scientists who have been examining what they thought were Petrarch’s remains have discovered that the skull belongs to someone else. And they suspect it could be that of a woman. ‘This must have been robbery. It is not, frankly, a nice business’.”
Where Are The Women?
Women artists are badly represented in British museum collections. And they don’t fare much better in the contemporary art markets either. “Only eight women are responsible for 12 paintings in the National Gallery: they are outnumbered by around 400 male artists responsible for more than 2,300 works. And while women artists may appear, at first glance, to be a strong presence in Tate galleries – a survey of the entire collection undermines this view. In 2000, Tate owned work by 316 women, and nearly 2,600 men. A total of just under 11% of Tate artists are women, and their works make up approximately 7% of the collection (leaving out the 30,000 Turners).”
The Royal Opera’s £10 Revolution
Royal Opera House boss Tony Hall says a sponsorship that will reduce some of the best seats in the house to £10 is revolutionary. “The adjectives are extreme, but it is hard to argue. Best seats in the house to see some of the biggest opera and ballet stars in the world – including Plácido Domingo, Cecilia Bartoli, Bryn Terfel, Darcey Bussell, Carlos Acosta – for less than the price of a West End cinema ticket. In some cases, that represents a saving of £165. Hall can scarcely contain his enthusiasm. ‘This is really opening up the opera house’.”