Friday, April 3, 2015

Shades of Umber: Thyssen-Bornemisza

Who says art museums need white walls?  One of the finest art museums in the world, the Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, sports walls in numerous natural shades of umbers, orange, sienna, and yellow (see my recent post on the Givenchy exhibit in the museum HERE)
 The pleasant shades complement the art and flatter the skin; great spot for a date!
What do you think of this color palette? The great lighting helps as well. Thanks to my Australian Penpal as always for the photos!

12 comments:

Karena said...

Stefan, it is a change that is quite different for me being used to white gallery walls! As long as it doesn't fight any of the art. It may be absolutely wonderful in person!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Ellipsis: Dual Vision

M. Denise C. said...

I am glad you have that traveling pen pal! Very nice and want to visit! Someday . . .

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Karena, it IS a big change! but the space is so warm and inviting -the earth tones really kind of match everything

ArchitectDesign™ said...

M.D.C. - I was in Madrid years ago and this museum was the highlight of the trip. Seriously the best art collection I've seen gathered ANYWHERE! The only one that beats it is the famous Prado museum which is just up the street.

Mark D. Ruffner said...

The last image actually looks quite neutral. Several years ago I went to an exhibit of antique majolica pottery and it was displayed on deep, rich yellow walls. It was stunning and absolutely enhanced the exhibit.

Thombeau said...

I'm sure a lot of thought went into these color choices. I think they look terrific!

Hels said...

I spent equal time in the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Prado. But the first was a logical, easy flow and the second was more disorganised. The colour of the walls didn't occur to me as a reason to enjoy a gallery experience more, but you might be onto something.

Lord Cowell said...

Hi Stefan,
Happy Easter.
I agree, the muted walls are very tranquil. I'm not used to white walls in a gallery. I love the colourful silk walls of the National Gallery in London.
DLC.

Renée Finberg said...

hmmmmm.....great topic.
i just don't know.
but i know that art looks fabulous on deeply hued paint colors.
it just makes the art pop.


xxxx

Blue said...

the combination of modernism and colour seems wrong to many but your photographs (and a post I have pending) show how sympathetic it can be – not only to the art but to the human eye. Lovely pictures.

Chronica Domus said...

Beautiful colored walls are perfectly at home in this museum. White would appear like a science laboratory to me, or worse. Much prefer color.

Deana Sidney said...

I'll be honest with you. I think white is distracting and terribly unnatural. softer colors gentle you into the view instead of shocking you. I much prefer the jewel colors of ancient silks or soft wooden paneling -- it's the way they were meant to be seen.