Most of my clients are interested in learning about cultural aspects of destinations they visit. Sometimes a small or local museum (as opposed to the main ones you might already be familiar with) can provide some insight into local history or customs, or into the passions and personality of an individual collector. The subject can be elevated or decidedly lowbrow--there's a museum for everything. Have you visited any of these unusual institutions? try something different on your next trip!

Museo del Traje (Madrid, Spain)

It may have a lower profile than fashion collections at large museums such as the Met’s Costume Institute or the Victoria & Albert in London, but the Museo del Traje is a true jewel among textile museums. Its prestigious collection covers the history of the garment (traje), along with accessories and jewelry. Not surprisingly, the focus is on Spain, but the museum’s scope is wide and varied. In addition to the garments and accessories, you will also see sculpture, painting, prints, and other representations of fashion throughout history. If you can’t visit in person, the museum has a terrific online presence with gorgeous photographs of collection highlights (although the text is in Spanish).

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet (Rudesheim, Germany)

This small museum along the mighty Rhine River is in Rudesheim, a small town nestled among sloping riesling vineyards as far as the eye can see. Siegfried's collection encompasses about 350 self-playing mechanical musical instruments, from tiny, indescribably delicate music boxes that imitate birdsong to gigantic calliope-type carnival pieces that take up an entire wall. My favorite may have been the Phonoliszt Violina, which includes six rotating violins that play opera music. Naturally, the experience is impossible to convey in words but if you ever happen to cruise the Rhine, Rudesheim may be one of your ports of call. Don't miss Siegfried's if you get the chance to visit.

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (Rotterdam, Netherlands)

Originally we intended to visit the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum but it was closed for renovation. Instead, it was suggested we visit the brand new Depot instead. The Depot is a purpose-built, architecturally marvelous art storage facility belonging to one of Holland's most important museums. Rather than being a bland or merely functional space, it was designed with public visits in mind. Technically, of course, it is NOT a museum, but rather a way to observe and absorb the methods and results of almost 200 years of collecting by the institution. A free-range visit through its six floors offers a peek at a selection of its 150,000 items as well as windows onto the categorized storage compartments and their contents. You may also see conservators at work. Information on each section is accessed via a proprietary app and scannable QR codes. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for me it was a fascinating and joyous way to spend the afternoon.

Sulabh International Museum of Toilets (New Delhi, India)

At first blush, this might seem like an icky or dull topic for a museum. But toilet technology—or lack thereof—is an integral part of development. The ability of members of a community to carry out this basic function in private and under at least minimally sanitary conditions can be life-changing. There could be no better location than India for a museum devoted to the history of toilets over the last five thousand years, all thanks to indefatigable sanitation activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak. Here you can the progression from 3000 BC to aristocratic medieval examples to the technology of the 21^st century, with sustainable sanitation “green” toilets to fancy Japanese equipment that cleans up behind you. There are also plenty of humorous materials on view that reflect society’s fixation on the subject.

Irish Workhouse Centre (County Galway, Ireland)

This museum in the village of Portumna is housed in a building that actually served as a workhouse, part of an infamous Irish social system meant to help feed its most impoverished citizens, who worked in exchange for food. Technically, entry into a workhouse was voluntary, but if residents left, they were not guaranteed reentry—which meant they risked losing the chance to eat. Whole families had to enter together but were separated into gender and age-based groups within the workhouse property. This restored workhouse property and museum shed light on an unfortunate but important part of Ireland’s 19^th and early 20^th-century history. 

Do you have a special interest or collection you’d like to explore on a trip? It’s always a pleasure to plan experiences that highlight the passions of clients. A privately customized trip is the perfect opportunity for such pursuits, when you have no one to please but yourself.

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New Small Group Trips Now Open for Booking

Irish Country Idyll: May 12, 2023

Many clients have asked for a trip to Ireland and I am happy to oblige! Spend two weeks exploring Ireland’s history, culture, and breathtaking scenery and then cozy up each night at Georgian-era manor houses on vast country estates. Invigorating hikes, fantastic views, and good conversation are sure to be plentiful on this trip.

Charms of the Mekong: January 22, 2024

Cruise though Vietnam and Cambodia on the beautiful AmaDara, with optional land extensions including Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Mink City, Hanoi, and Bangkok. From the War Remnants Museum to Evergreen Island, your guides will enrich your experience with their personal histories. This itinerary is one of the most memorable offered by AmaWaterways and is a favorite of river cruisers who venture beyond traditional European routes. 

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Still available for booking:
Celebration of Classical Music on the Danube: March 25, 2023

I enjoyed my Danube cruise so much last year that I was ready to do it all over again--with a music twist. This trip is sure to delight history and culture lovers and will have extra appeal for music fans, thanks to bonus music-related sights and experiences curated just for this itinerary (in addition to the normal excursion choices). For those who want an even richer experience, join me for four additional nights in Vienna following our fabulous Danube sailing.

Click the corresponding button below for more info on a trip.

And last but not least:

De los Aztecas al Zócalo, Mexico City: November 6, 2022

Reply directly to this email to inquire about last-minute availability on this closer-to-home adventure to discover the incredible culture and history of our southern neighbor's vibrant capital city.

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Please note that I am escorting a group to France shortly and will be out of the office from August 20th through September 7th.