Kimbell Art Museum
by Chrissy Biello
Designed by Louis I. Kahn and opened in 1972, the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, impresses visitors with its art, architecture, and surrounding landscape. The Piano Pavilion, designed by Renzo Piano, brings the outdoors in, with large windows framing the elm and oak trees that surround it, allowing visitors to experience nature as an extension of the architectural space.
Walking through the gallery, many pieces stand out, but one in particular is the Virgin and Child (The Borromeo Madonna), which is attributed to Donatello! This sculpture was especially surprising to find, as one would not expect to casually come across a sculpture that is suspected to be from Donatello himself.
Not far from the Donatello sculpture, another famous Italian Renaissance artist is represented…
While Michelangelo is often remembered as a sculptor, his first known painting, The Torment of Saint Anthony, was on display. The piece shows Saint Anthony being attacked by demons, and it is believed Michelangelo was only twelve or thirteen when he painted it.
One that is particularly interesting for those interested in Greek and Roman mythology is the Judgment of Paris by Lucas Cranach the Elder. To summarize, it is said the Goddess of Discord tossed an apple to Paris, forcing him to choose among three nearly identical goddesses offering different bribes, a decision that ultimately triggered the Trojan War. Interestingly, a similar moment of unexpected judgment occurred in 1976, when a blind wine tasting saw French judges unknowingly favor Californian wines over their own, an event later dubbed the Judgment of Paris.
The museum had several incredibly famous artists in its galleries. Matisse, Picasso, Gaugin, El Greco, Edward Munch, and many more! Each turn lead to another pleasant surprise, all encompassed in a beautiful structure which remains a piece in and of itself!
The Kimbell Art Museum is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys architecture, art, landscapes, and more. Whether you prefer one aspect over the others, it is hard not to appreciate the thought and care put into the entire museum. Overall, the Kimbell Art Museum is a true treasure in the Fort Worth community, both architecturally and artistically significant.
Exploring Downtown Fort Worth
by Olivia Discon
Beyond the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square offers another side of Fort Worth’s artistic and architectural landscape. The area, once quieter in past decades, has become a lively center for shopping, dining, and events. Designed as a pedestrian-friendly space, it encourages people to gather.
Of course, in the heart of the plaza lies the Richard Haas mural, a large-scale trompe-l’œil piece that plays with perception, giving the illusion of depth and architectural detail on a flat surface. This piece, among many others of Haas’, has revitalized what was once a plain, visually unappealing building, into a cultural hub. If you know LEAP, you know this was a “must-do” selfie stop!
On our walk, we had the chance to see a sculpture by Jesus Morales…
…Alex Katz…
… and though it was through a window, we saw a James Surls!
I am always intrigued by the philosophy of gathering spaces and downtowns such as these, and we took the time to engage with the space as it was intended: exploring and engaging.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 