Afternoon of Wonder

Wow. Looking back on the last two months has been a whirlwind. Picking one adventure out with my Viennese mama, Friederike, to reflect on is a challenge. But it must be done. While I cannot lie, Waltzing was my favorite afternoon—especially the cute men—my favorite lesson was when we visited the Kunstkammer in the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

One of the best things the Hapsburgs did for the world was collect valuable objects. They saw the value in art and cherished it. Because of this, we are able to have access to world wonders that might have otherwise been lost or damaged beyond repair. But alas, we still have original ivory sculptures, Rembrandt paintings, and many sculptures and paintings of the important Madonna among many other wonders.

My favorite part of the Kunstkammer had to be the beautiful gold clocks. While there were also gorgeous gold sculptures and other objects with much historical influence—the headlining piece even has a dramatic story about it being stolen—I still was drawn to the clocks. The fact that such intricate objects could be made way back in the day always amazes me. I know that that even farther back the Romans made engineering masterpieces with very little technology, and I nod them for their accomplishments. But these clocks to me were the epitome of beauty being handcrafted with very little technology compared to today’s standards.

Not only was the Kunstkammer the hall of wonders, but it also is the hall of beauty. I am incredibly grateful that it has opened its doors again so the world can have access to objects reflecting the world’s history and legacy. Friederike did an excellent job being our teacher and mama. I am thankful for her and the opportunity that we all received in our second home of Wien these past two months.

Stacie