You say “Nordic Museum” they say “Nordiska museet” — either way it is a great museum of Swedish cultural history from the Early Modern age to the current age, which, in theory, is even more modern.

The museum is in Stockholm, Sweden on an island known as Djurgården, or “The Royal Game Park,” which houses the popular Gröna Lund amusement park and other tourist and recreation areas.

The building was supposed to be three times its actual size and was built in the Danish Renaissance style rather than more traditional Swedish architecture. Scandal!

I’ve never been to Sweden, but it’s on my short list. I’m a sucker for Danish Renaissance style. Also amusement parks.

This post is part of the Uptake Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: rieh via Flickr

The J. Paul Getty Museum, according to its own website, “seeks to further knowledge of the visual arts and to nurture critical seeing by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of the highest quality.”

That means it has neat stuff for you to look at.

The museum is located in Los Angeles at the Getty Center, atop a hill overlooking the parking lot that is the 405 freeway (museum access is via Sepulveda Blvd). Drive by during rush hour and you’ll have plenty of time to stare at its wonder and watch the tram shuttle people up its steep hill.

Inside the museum you will find paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs from Europe and America.

There is a smaller J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa in Malibu, just off the Pacific Coast Highway and directly across from the beach. This one wins the battle of location.

However, the real winner is you, the art-loving public, because admission to both Getty Museums is free (however, the Getty Villa requires an advance, timed ticket for occupancy reasons).

Visit L.A., and add a free day of culture to your vacation. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums & Monuments Series.

Photo: Allan Ferguson via Flickr

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “The Met” as we like to call it, is to New York City what the Louvre is to Paris. More or less. Point is, it’s full of wonderful art and history that needs to be seen on your next NYC vacation.

The Met is closed on Mondays (except holidays), and admission ranges from $12 for students to $25 for adults (there is a senior discount and children under 12 are free). Admission covers same-day access to the Main Building and The Cloisters Museum and Gardens. It’s like a twofer.

The Met offers audio tours, information in various languages and some very cool opportunities for kids — like the popular Drop-in Drawing where children are encouraged to draw, literally, inspiration from original works of art.

The Cloisters, which is devoted to medieval Europe, offers free gallery workshops for children ages four through twelve on select dates.

Current exhibitions include (at the time of this writing, use link for updates) a rooftop showing of Anthony Caro, Frans Hals and Night Vision: Photography After Dark, plus many others.

There is dining available in the museum as well as a few steps in any direction outside of it — it’s New York, there is stuff everywhere.

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums & Monuments Series.

Photo: LWY via Flickr

The Louvre in Paris, France is full of beauty inside and out. It’s located an easy walk from the Eiffel Tower and numerous cafes, but you may want to save those for another day — the Louvre is a full day (at least) of art and history.

Inside you’ll find some of the best known art EVER. The Mona Lisa is there (please don’t bring up The Da Vinci Code), as is the armless beauty of Venus de Milo.

The building that houses the Louvre was built in the 12th century, and the museum has been there since 1793. It’s a work of art in its own right.

There are plenty of family activities, including guided tours, workshops and storytellers. There are even special deals and activities for visitors under the age of 30 (anyone older and you can’t trust them!).

The Louvre is a must-see on any trip to France. Take the kids, they’ll thank you.

This post is part of UpTake’s Monday Museums & Monuments Series.

Photo: http2007 via Flickr