Bode in black and white

I had a visitor in from out of town last weekend, so I actually got out and about and did some touristy things, like a boat ride on the Spree. I caught this shot of the Bode Museum during the ride. I love the architecture and hope you agree it's perfect in black and white. More treasures can be found at Tuesday Treasures.

Reflecting or resting?

I whipped out my camera and snapped this shot as soon as I saw these three people sitting in front of this altarpiece. The real question is, are they reflecting upon the craftsmanship of the carving or are they just resting after a long day in the museum? I'll let you decide!

Our tour through the Bode Museum has come to an end, I hope you enjoyed it. I've been visiting a lot of museums lately, but perhaps I'll take some time off from showing them, the outdoor sights of Berlin are so lovely at this time of year.

Skyward

Looking up at the grand cupola inside the Bode Museum. I admit, my main objective in visiting this museum was to see the architecture. It was definitely worth it!

Grand staircase

Remember those three Freddies I showed you the other day? Well here they are again, ready to greet you as you ascend the grand staircase inside the Bode Museum. Just looking at the scene makes me dream of the days when balls and parties were held in places like this. I'd love to make an entrance coming down these stairs. Sigh.

Hanging out

Just a bunch of Freddies hanging out at the Bode Museum!

Trio

This beautiful mosaic depicting the angels Raphael and Gabriel flanking Jesus dates back to 545. It's part of the large collection of Byzantine art at the Bode Museum. This particular piece comes from Ravenna, a city on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its many early Christian mosaic pieces (like this one).

Here's a better look at how the apse mosaic is presented in the room. I know this is not exactly a mural, but I think it's close enough. You'll find more of them at Monday Mural.

Looking through

There were so many wonderful architectural details at the Bode Museum. Enjoy!

Peaceful

One thing I really like about the Bode Museum is the use of color. Most of the walls were painted with wonderful, deep colors like this blue room.

Friday is here again! The warm weather is back and hopefully my golf swing is coming with it. Do you have any big plans? I hope so!

Perhaps a gentleman

This work is entitled Portrait of a Scholar and comes from the workshop of Italian sculptor Guglielmo della Porta. The piece is part of the museum's permanent collection and was completed in the mid-1500s; it was originally part of a tomb. The man is obviously a scholar, but was he a gentleman too?

One God

The architecture of the Bode Museum is really fantastic. Just look at those vaulted ceilings and that marble floor. I did check out the Ein Gott exhibit while I was there as well. It's always interesting to see artifacts from the past. There will be more from the Bode tomorrow, but until then you can see more signs at Signs, Signs.

Kaiser Friedrich

Back in the days when I thought I was getting a job, I decided it would be a good idea to use my museum card and visit all the museums that I've never seen. What better place to start than the Bode Museum. Standing tall in the entrance hall is Kaiser Friedrich III, the museum was originally named for him, but was changed in 1956 in honor of the collection's first curator, Wilhelm von Bode.  I'll be taking you on a tour around the museum this week, so please come back for more!

PS: Happy Bastille Day!!!