Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MUSEUM TOUR: MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART
Length
Two hours
As you enter the museum's grand foyer, on the left, stop into the
Ionian Senate
Conference Room
, designed by palace architect Sir George Whitmore. On the up-
stairs landing, head left to begin the
China Exhibit
, crammed with priceless arte-
facts, like the
ceremonial food vessel
dating from the 12th to 11th century BC
(case 6). The third room houses
Ming vases
, but don't miss the
sculpted ivory
, or,
in the fifth room, the spectacular
Miniature Art
. Snuff bottles and carved semipre-
cious stones sit alongside coral-handled spoons and spectacular carved ivory
spheres.
Back on the landing, head to the
Throne Room
with its elaborate trompe l'oleil
murals and the
Rotunda
with its inlaid ceiling. This area often houses temporary
exhibitions.
Next, the
India Exhibit
features fine examples of temple carvings, and the
second room houses interesting
Graeco-Buddhist Art
from Afghanistan and
Pakistan, such as the
blue-grey schist Buddha
showing Greek artistic influence.
Visit the
Tibetan thangkas
(ritual banners) on your way to the
Japanese Exhibit
.
Folding
byobu screens
lead to superb
ukiyo-e woodblock prints
and an excellent
explanatory video of these 'Pictures of the Floating World'. At the time of research,
the top floor of the museum was being renovated to contain the Japanese Exhibit.
When it opens, be sure to find the beautiful
Samurai armour
.
Tours
Day Trips
COACH & BOAT TOURS
from Corfu Town, including excursions to the Butrint Unesco World Heritage ancient ru-
ins in Albania (€59; passports required); and
boat trips
to Paxi, the Blue Caves and An-
tipaxi (€40; go an a calm day). Transfers included.
Sleeping
Corfu Town tends towards the pricey. Book ahead in high season.
Hotel Konstantinoupolis
PENSION $$$
