The world’s most brilliant museums provide their visitors an awesome experience of observing the greatest works of art close up, while safeguarding their impressive collections for future generations.
THE VATICAN MUSEUMS, VATICAN CITY, ITALY
While Vatican City is home to the Roman Catholic Church’s governing body and its head, the pope (教皇), this small sovereign city-state (主权城市国家) within Rome offers a we alth of cultural attractions open to visitors of any faith. A must-visit is the Vatican Museums, showcasing masterpieces from the Catholic Church’s extensive collection, including renowned Roman sculptures and vital works of Renaissance art.
Highlights: famous for its beautiful ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
THE BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The British Museum was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge. No other museum is responsible for collections of the same depth and significance. Its eight million objects allow us to explore the extraordinary diversity of human cultures.
Highlights: the world’s second finest collection of Egyptian antiquities (古物) outside Egypt.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK, USA
“The Met” is the largest art museum in the United States. Presenting over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy, the Met is always eager to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects.
Highlights: its European sculptures and American paintings.
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON DC, USA
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo. The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765-1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase of knowledge.”
Highlights: the Apollo 11 command module is on the bucket list of most visitors.
【小题1】What is a notable feature of the Vatican Museums?| A．Largest art museum in the world. |
| B．First national museum in the world. |
| C．Famous for its Michelangelo-painted ceiling. |
| D．Storing the world’s finest collection of American paintings. |
| A．Roman sculptures. | B．Egyptian antiquities. |
| C．The Apollo 11 command module. | D．European sculptures and American paintings. |
| A．To house a vast collection of European sculptures. |
| B．To rival the Vatican Museums in cultural significance. |
| C．To protect the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities. |
| D．To fulfill the wishes of James Smithson for the increase of knowledge. |
