Program 772: Michelangelo’s Tomb; What’s New in Dublin; Seeing the Art We Love

On the next Travel with Rick Steves, we'll hear about Michelangelo's 40-year struggle, to create a grand tomb for Pope Julius the Second in Rome.

Listeners remind us why viewing a great work of art in person, is always a good reason for planning a trip. They'll share some of their favorite art-themed travels, and where they want to go next.

Plus, guides from Ireland update us on what's new this year in Dublin, including a major renovation at Trinity College, where one of Ireland's greatest treasures is housed.

• Gene Openshaw, author of "Michelangelo at Midlife: Chasing the Tomb of Julius II" (Miner of Light Press)
• Irish tour guide Joe Burke, based in Dublin
• Irish tour guide Lynn Corken, based in Belfast

• Gene Openshaw is Rick's co-author on "Europe's Top 100 Masterpieces: Art for the Traveler."
• Gene writes about Michelangelo's life in his book "Michelangelo at Midlife: Chasing the Tomb of Julius II."
• The Rick Steves online guide to Dublin.
• Rick narrates a free two-part walking tour of Dublin that you can download and use to guide you on the streets of Dublin.
• Blue Badge tour guide Lynn Corken can be contacted from her Facebook page.
• Riverdance performs each summer in Dublin, before the troupe goes on tour elsewhere.
• The Venice Glass Week is an international festival held in September.
• Master glass artist Lino Tagliapietra divides his time between Murano, Italy and Seattle.

• Caller spent two weeks in Venice in September to attend the Venice Glass Week festival. Particularly enjoyed seeing Lino Tagliapietra's piece Skagit Valley about the annual tulip festival in Washington state. "For a fan of contemporary art glass, this was heaven. No crowds — exhibits and tours were in out-of-the-way places." (Donna in Portland, Oregon)
• Traveled to Europe with a group of teachers who were interested in art. "Three places stand out in my memory: the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands. We were greeted by an orange sculpture which has to be the sister of The Calling here on Milwaukee's lakefront. We also went to Breda in search of Bruegel's birthplace. Although no one we met knew anything about Bruegel in Breda, we enjoyed being in the lovely gothic church and charming town. In France, we went to Auvers-sur-Oise to see Van Gogh's grave. Someone had put a sunflower on the gravestone, and it was touching to be there." (Laura in Cudahy, Wisconsin)
• "I go to Europe once every year, mainly to see art at the various museums and churches — my main area of interest being the Flemish Primitives as well as the art of the Northern and Italian Renaissances. In March I visited Berlin, Cologne, Antwerp, Bruges, and Brussels to revisit the museums in each of those cities. I just turned 69 last month and I will keep going back to the different museums in the various countries for as long as I am able in order to once again experience the great art there." (William in Miami, Florida)
• "I've always had my list of artwork I wanted to see in person. My two favorites were The School of Athens in the Vatican, and Raphael's portrait of Julius II in the National Gallery of London. I'm happy to say I've never been disappointed and I've gained appreciation for a few I didn't think I'd like. At the Uffizi, I saw the Madonna with the Long Neck by Parmigianino. Mounted high on the wall, it changes the perspective, and I fell in love with the gentle expression on her face. Now I just have to get to Madrid (Guernica and Las Meninas), Berlin (Ishtar Gate), and Athens (Artemision Bronze)." (Stacee in Richmond, Texas)

• CHY_CHY_0044_00701_A_Night_In_Dublin_a_APM
• CBM_CBM_0076_00101_Age_Of_Importance_APM
• Early Music Consort of London, "Scaramella Va Alla Guerra (Josquin)," Essential Renaissance, vol. 2 (collection) / EMI Classics
• CEZ_CEZ_4495_00701_The_Business_Community_APM
• Jean-Francois Paillard Chamber Orchestra, "'Andante' from Concerto in D for Strings (Molter)," Relax with the Classics, vol. 1 (collection) / LIND Institute
• I Solisti Veneti, Claudio Scimone, cond., "'Adagio' from Concerto in G for Cello and Strings (Nicola Porpora)," Relax with the Classics, vol. 4 (collection) / LIND Institute
• OMI_OMN_0188_01501_Dublin_Jig_APM
• * Paul Winter Consort, "Bendir and Heckelphone," Miho: Journey to the Mountain / Living Music
• Clannad, "The Golden Ball," Landmarks / WEA-Atlantic
• Hen's Tooth Discs, "Cockles and Mussels (Molly Malone)," Authentic Music Box Arrangements, disc 2 / Hens Tooth Discs
• Déanta, "King of the Blues," Celtic Collection (compilation) / Putumayo
• Bill Whelan, "Riverdance," The Celtic Heartbeat Collection 2 (compilation) / Celtic Heartbeat
• * The Chieftains, with the Belfast Harp Orchestra, "Carolan's Concerto," The Wide World Over: A 40 Year Celebration / RCA Victor
• The Spirit of Eden, "Compassion," The Sun and the Moon and the Stars / Celtic Heartbeat
• CEZ_CEO_2031_00701_Una_Dolce_Vita_APM
• Reinbert de Leeuw, "Gnossiennes V (Satie)," Erik Satie: Gymnopédies, Ogives, Trois Sarabandes, Petite ouverture à danser / Decca (Netherlands)
• James Galway, "The Last Rose of Summer," Seasons / RCA Victor

* Indicates filler music used during internal breaks on the broadcast

• This week's segment B interview focuses on "What's New in Dublin" and refers to recently started renovations at Trinity College and a newly-opened museum at St. Stephen's Green. Rick opens segment A saying "they're getting ready to close the Long Room" at Trinity College's Old Library.
• At 37:00, Lynn Corken says she goes every year to see Riverdance in Dublin.
• Rick and caller Laura lament the lack of funding for arts education in American schools at the end of her call in segment C.
• At 51:45, caller William says he turned 69 years old in April. Rick adds that he's one month younger than William.