A SLOW VISIT TO MAURITSHUIS MUSEUM, NETHERLANDS

I’m always perplexed at groups of tourists visiting the Netherlands who rush through musuems just to tick them off the proverbial list. It seems like people have lost a sense of slowness and the ability to reflect and think. They can’t just be at peace with a single painting, love what they see in front of them and enjoy the moment. There’s always a rush to the next and better (or more famous) artwork. Perhaps this is a result of our modern, consumerist way of life – taking in art like we would gobble down a takeaway burger. What’s the joy in that?

I recently visited the Mauritshuis in The Hague, Netherlands – a world-reknown museum that tourists flock to throughout the year. I really enjoyed visiting in the quieter winter months where there are less people standing in front of the great masters. It was joyous. I, together with two friends, could really take in each piece in a slow, thoughtful manner. Of course we wanted to see Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and other famous works from the Dutch masters. But we also wanted to go beyond the obvious – go beyond what is well-known and really look.

And what we found during this slow manner of perusing artworks in Mauritshuis was most pleasing. Yes we came across the famous pearls. But then we also saw smiles of others we did not know or recognize. We took the time to observe the very humaness, the spirit and aesthetic nature of these beautiful, lesser-known pieces.

It was as if time stood still. And when we saw some funny looking portraits or scenes that were a tad bit odd, we’d giggle a little and simply enjoy our own reactions and feelings to the paintings. We wondered if people back then also had similar reactions to certain strange images.

What I love about slow museum visits is that you needn’t see every single piece of art. I have found that slow travel requires of you to see a couple of images that you really take in, know well and understand the history thereof. Even if these are a handful of images you absorb and remember.

What is more is that the museum experience is not only about the artworks themselves. It is also about the entire museum experience – sitting at the museum cafe or a cafe nearby; observing the architecture of the building and understanding its history. Staring out of windows to observe other buildings and outdoor scenes. People watching. The entire museum experience is very much rooted in your own personal experience – how you are moved by the artworks and your new surroundings, your feelings and reactions but also how you discuss the art with friends after the visit.

And that’s the beauty of slow museum visits. Don’t just do it to tick it off the list and to tell your friends about the experience. Do it because you want to observe the smaller details. Do it because you want the experience, the history and most importantly, the sense of satisfaction and combined relaxation achieved.