Visited Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, recently to view the Rockefeller Asian Exhibit . Have not been in several years, and it is a museum which is not to be missed. The Cummer’s were involved in lumber and banking. They had one child who died in infancy, and upon Mr. Cummer’s death, Mrs. Cummer spent her remaining 15 years acquiring art, and leaving their lovely property as a museum for future generations to enjoy.

The Museum sits on the beautiful St. Johns River in Jacksonville. The Cummer Home was raised to build the Museum, however, one room from their former home remains.

The Museum, opened for 60 years has been upgraded recently. Rooms are available for events at a reasonable cost as are the gardens for weddings. There are fundraising events throughout the year with music, picnics, and dinners. Admission is reasonable, and there are many free times for visit.

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The first collection viewed was movie posters. Prior to Hollywood, Florida had a movie industry. Many of those in these roles were African American, and the studio buildings are still standing. Interesting, and perhaps some day these will be open as museum in Jacksonville as well?

The Posters..

The Cummer has one of the World’s three most important collections of Meissen Porcelain. Collector Ralph H. Wark, of Berlin, moved to St. Augustine in his later years with his sister. He donated his 700 piece collection to the Cummer. This collection survived the World War II bombings.

The American Classics

The Asian Art Collection – this Rockefeller Collection is on display through September. If you have a chance it is a must see. Rare to see these artifacts in such excellent condition.

The Museum also has a modern and religious art collection which is extensive and of note. However, wish to end with the gardens. Enjoy!

What a beautiful visit this was..

My phone was stolen/lost in Venice and today the Verizon rep informed me that my pictures from the trip were gone. My phone was not set up appropriately for back ups. Lesson learned, check your phone!

So, instead of dull pictureless blogs will merely do an itinerary of this trip. Hopefully, my new spankin’ red Iphone will do the deed as I travel through NYC>England>Scotland>Norway>Iceland in the next trip…

Here’s the itinerary from this trip..

• Milan to Lake Como – possibly one of the most beautiful spots in the world. No wonder George Clooney built a home there. He was the last one allowed to build. Now, most of the villas and mansions are owned by russian oligarchs.
• Lugano -Swiss/Italian mix, capivating..
• Lucerne – chocolates and watches. Lake Pilatus mountain ride amazing, however, clouds covered the mountain view
• Neuschwanstien Castle – what views and tour Ludwig’ s boyhood home across the street – Castle Hohenschwangau. Spectacular!
• Passion Play – 5 hours of performance. Continues thru early October.
• Salzburg – The Von Trapp Family’s home, as well as Mozart’s birthplace.
• Vienna – scenic and impressive
• Murano and Venice – you have to visit to believe it!
• Milan – fashion capital of the world

Arrivederci Italy!

In Venice today, and lost my cell phone. Unsure if it was stolen, or lost, but whatever the circumstance it is a travesty. Went to the local police station, and filed a report. Felt like I was in a PBS European police drama as the Italian officer was non-comital, and laid back. Could tell he wanted noting to do with me, but, I played along to get the report filed.

Attempted to retrace my steps to see if the phone was possibly on the sidewalk but that was an impossible feat. In Venice they do not believe in signage, and it is impossible to find a street on a map, therefore, I could not retrace my steps. Plus, each street is either wide or narrow, and even the map aps have challenges.

So, another expense upon arrival back in the states. Never a dull moment when you travel.