Life is so good, I must pinch myself—and immediately.  This weekend I was channeling the glorious Ms. Hepburn and decided to treat myself to a solo Roman holiday—I tackled the sights last month when I was in Rome with my sister Mary Lauren and our friend Sarah, so this time my mission was to tackle the art scene.  What an incredible array of museums and galleries to choose from; how does an art lover make up her mind?

I planned my weekend around the museum advertisements I happened to see last on my last visit: the Helmut Newton exhibit at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, the Cubism exhibit currently on display at the Complesso del Vittoriano, and a full afternoon and lunch at the National Gallery of Modern Art.  Each of these exhibits was, as you say in Italian, molto particolare (or very unique).

 The Helmut Newton exhibit showcased for the first time, both a collection of some of his fashion photographs as well as some of his nude figure photographs in one setting.  The Cubism exhibit was equally intriguing—not only were there hundreds of cubist paintings from the early 20^th century, but also textile designs, theatrical costumes, architectural plans, music, and furniture all inspired by the Cubist art movement. And last but certainly not least, the National Museum of Modern Art with its permanent and traveling exhibits of contemporary art that spans the time frame of mid-19^th century  to the present time. Here I got my fill of art by the likes of Picasso, Duchamp, Klimt, Pollock, and Miro—just to name a few of my favorites.

 

From contemporary art, to a contemporary hotel, Saturday night I decided to take advantage of my gorgeous hotel room (www.fortysevenhotel.com) and after a dry martini at the bar, I had a relaxing in-room dinner from Circus Roof Restaurant located on the top floor of my hotel.   What a delightful evening it was as I listened to the charming sound of the late evening city happenings down on the Via Petroselli, and enjoyed the start of a new novel.  For dinner I enjoyed a plate of fresh and aged cheeses with marmalade and honey (Scelta di suattro formaggi freschi e stagionati), followed by a steamed sea bass with grilled vegetables (Scaloppa di spigola al vapore con verdure all griglia). (Both of which paired very well with a couple glasses of bubbly Prosecco!  Salute to me!)

I have really only begun to make a dent in exploring this remarkable country, but at this point on my adventure, like Ms. Hepburn’s character in the final scene of Roman Holiday, if asked ‘What of the cities visited did [I] enjoy the most?’  I would have to agree with her heart-felt answer of: ‘Rome; by all means, Rome.’

Tagged: Cubism, culinary school, externship, Helmut Newton, Italy, Mami Camilla cooking school, museums, National Museum of Modern Art, Rome