I recently found myself captive in my in-laws house while my husband worked long hours with nothing to do. A kind soul mentioned that the MIS had an exhibit on David Bowie, so I hopped in a cab to check it out.
It was probably one of the best tips I could have gotten, because I had a tremendous afternoon there! I had lunch first in the restaurant next door, then came in for the exhibit. I had a large bag that I had to check. I pulled out my phone and wallet, and nervously handed over my purse that had $3000 in camera equipment in it. (At least.)
I picked up my headset not really sure of how to use it, but threw it on my head anyway. I was immediately drawn in by the use of layout within the exhibit. The audio tour automatically changes depending on what room you're in / where you are standing. Having had much experience fighting with those little devices, this was incredibly exciting! I snaked my way around the museum - there was a lot to see in the exhibit, but it was smartly spaced out. They had a great combination of video, photos, props, wardrobe... I was never bored, and I never felt rushed.
They had a no photography rule which I know is so they can sell more books, but I've never bought into that. I don't see how a cell phone picture could possibly be better than the pictures that were professionally shot, but whatever. I would have really enjoyed to have taken a couple of pictures. And had the book been in English, I would have bought it as well! But I could do neither. Also, museums have to get hip to the fact that if they allow cell pictures, it is immediate free advertising for them, what with all pictures immediately going to Facebook or Instagram with a check-in.
Other than that, I had a delightful time, and I completely forgot that I handed over my camera earlier. This is very important, because if I go somewhere that I have to check my bag with my camera inside, I usually don't go inside. I know it's ridiculous, but the fact that I was able to completely forget about it is a big deal. Of course it was still safely there when I finished the exhibit!
Oh - there was a moment where I didn't know where to go. When you go downstairs, there is a small theatre, and the exhibit lures you right, which eventually puts you in a big circular room with the walls being projected on. After this room, I wandered around for a bit until I saw someone go down another staircase right by the original staircase. Sneaky. read more