6 reasons to go to a museum alone

Many of us would prefer to stay at home if there is no one to go to a cafe, cinema or theater with. Too much pressure on us social stereotypes, according to which it is supposed to go to a public place in a company. By obeying these unspoken rules, we voluntarily deprive ourselves of pleasures and joys. Isn’t it time for us to get rid of these imposed standards of behavior? And for starters, it’s best to go alone to the museum, says art journalist Tricia Tongco (Tricia Tongco).

I’m willing to bet that such a trip to the museum should not be seen as a forced step, she writes. On the contrary, it is something that is definitely worth a try. “At one time I worked in a large museum and at lunchtime or after work I often wandered through the halls alone. These were the quietest, most meaningful moments of the whole day, whether I was looking into the eyes of people in portraits of Sidney Sherman or immersed in the color element of Rothko’s paintings. The words of the writer Patricia Highsmith come to mind: “My imagination works much better when I don’t have to talk to people.”

You choose your route

When you go to a museum like the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, with its vast collection spanning 5000 years from time to time, you need to think very carefully about your visit plan so you don’t get carried away and have time to see exactly the periods, movements, or artists that you want. especially close.

If you go to a museum with someone, it may turn out that you and your companion have different preferences: let’s say he is interested in antique sculpture, and you are eager to see XNUMXth-century French portraits. But if you are alone, nothing prevents you from immediately going wherever you want, without wasting time on what you are indifferent to.

You can move at your own pace

Even in small museums, we often have the feeling that our companion is rushing us or, conversely, slowing us down. Curious data is provided by the Getty Museum in Los Angeles: they calculated that visitors spend an average of 30 seconds in front of each work of art. But it is clear that for some works you linger longer, while for others you will only glance. When you are alone, you are your own boss: you can contemplate the sculpture of Kiki Smith for at least an hour and, conversely, walk past the dog from balloons — the creation of Jeff Koons, which you have already seen many times.

You learn to enjoy being alone

No matter how sociable, socially competent person you are, you, like everyone else, sometimes have to be alone. If you can hardly stand this state, then the museum is the perfect place to practice and discover how important and useful it is for us to be alone with ourselves.

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If you wish, you have a chance to meet someone

If you came to the museum in the company of someone, then most likely you will communicate with your companion. When you are alone, you are more likely to make new acquaintances. There is always a reason to strike up a conversation in a museum. At least ask a simple open-ended question like «What do you think of this painting?»

Silent moments will be a source of inspiration

If you do not seek to communicate, no one will impose their society on you. You can immerse yourself in reflection or find many sources of inspiration for yourself. If you like to draw, take a sketchbook with you in case you want to make sketches of paintings, museum interiors, or people who roam around. By the way, one more bonus: the museum is a great place for people-watching.

You will give yourself confidence

Of course, it’s good when you have someone to rely on. But more importantly, you can rely on yourself. The more things you do on your own, the sooner you will feel ready to handle things on your own.

See more at Online publications of The Huffington Post.