A walk from the Nasher Museum of Art to Duke Chapel and back. Durham NC
Posted in Urban hike on 05/06/2009 09:21 pm by admin
A stroll sounded in order, so I hopped over to Durham. The Nasher is a great art cache for the triangle. Its a beautiful space. “Picasso and the Allure of Language” is starting in August. I’m definitely seeing that. On a ‘Family Day’ the Nasher is a madhouse but today I had the collection to myself. Escultura Socail: A New Generation of Art from Mexico City was not what I had in mind but stretched my head and ideas of art like a yoga workout. I like being skeptical right before lunch.
After consulting a map, the best route appeared to cut across Duke Gardens. Ellen Shipman designed the gardens after a flood wiped out the original started in the 1930’s. The gardens unfold around a stream that connects several ponds. My beeline sauntered through the Terrace Gardens a sensational show of flowers. Jack-in-the-pulpit abounded in many shady spots.
Duke Chapel is a wonderfully large church and the key organizational element to Duke’s campus layout –the crowning jewel. The woman giving out maps informed me that I was right on time for organ practice. I got inside, turned to take a picture of the organ and the first notes rang out. This organ is 10-15 years old and came from Germany. The soaring ceilings and stained glass were eclipsed by the thundering music. When I entered it had been hushed. Later I realized I was almost yelling. It was liberating to be in a church and not use an Inside Voice.
On the walk back to the car, I meandered through the Asiatic Arboretum section of Duke Gardens. It centers around a large pond that is habitat to many ducks. One had two dozen ducklings. They were so tame I could stand right over them. A storm moved in and I got caught in a bit of a shower but it was beautiful.
