Not all the great collections are in large cities. A former teacher of mine is an inveterate art museum goer. Below is his list of some favorite museums not located in the major art centers of the world. I have not been to all these, but I can enthusiastically vouch for the first one. A future posting will explore smaller galleries in major cities.
The Watts GalleryCompton, England
The largest collection in the world of the High Victorian English painter George Frederick Watts. It was established by his widow, who also designed the beautiful art nouveau chapel dedicated to the painter which is on the grounds. The collection contains major oil painting as well as many fine drawings, studies and sculptured works. There are lovely country pubs nearby, which together with the Gallery's rich paintings and architecture make for a divine Sunday afternoon.
www.wattsgallery.org.ukDelaware Art Museum Wilmington, Delaware
Not too far from Wilmington in the beautiful Brandywine Valley, the Delaware Museum boasts the finest collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art outside Britain.
www.delart.orgEmil Nolde StiftungSeebull, Denmark
An impressive building and collection of the great German Expressionist painter Emil Nolde, located in the former studio and residence of the artist. Nolde designed the modernist building himself, and obtained inspiration from the garden. This one is really out of the way - a two hour drive from Hamburg.
www.nolde-stiftung.deEtruscan Guarnacci MuseumVolterra, Italy
One of the first public art galleries in Europe, the museum contains an extensive collection of Etruscan statuary highlighted by its many funery urns.
www.comune.volterra.pi.itThe Dali Museum
St. Petersburg, FL
Dali has never been a articular favorite of mine, but last year's exhibition at the High Museum gave me a new appreciation. The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg houses the world's largest collection and is well worth a visit.
www.thedali.org
