It was another rainy, drizzly day during my friend’s visit to Anchorage last summer, so we planned to spend some time indoors. We headed to the Anchorage Museum in downtown Anchorage (this was my second visit).
There was plenty of metered street parking, though I did forget to actually pay the meter, because I was so focused on successfully parallel parking the car (not my forté). I realized this as we were actually leaving the museum two hours later. Fortunately, my car was still there, but I did get a ticket. The fine was minimal but still more than the meter would have cost. C’est la vie!
I really enjoy this museum. It’s not overwhelmingly large, but there is enough to fill an afternoon and there are different types of exhibits. You can view cultural artifacts, art from local artists and famous works, a children’s section, exhibits on industry and science, and a Smithsonian exhibit. I enjoyed looking at the local art best. Some of the names are even familiar to me from my day job. The local art includes a mix of mediums and subjects.
Going to the museum in the summer, I found it to be a little busier than my previous visit but not to an overwhelming degree. I still felt like I could take my time and spend quite awhile studying the paintings and taking in their color and composition. I was quite moved by a few of them and wish I could purchase a book or print of my favorites in the gift shop.
While I watched the videos describing the different Native cultures that are a part of Alaska’s past and present, I overheard a tourist say to their companion “This is a good museum.” I must say I agree. It’s worth multiple visits. I also am looking forward to visiting the restaurant, Muse, which I’ve heard good things about and has been closed through the pandemic. All in all, a nice setting for a rainy afternoon.
Cozy in Alaska 