I could think of no more perfect example than the renovation of the Gem Hall to demonstrate what is lost when a setting is left vague and generic: What’s missing from the new Gem Hall is not just a carpet—it’s the specificity, idiosyncrasy, and weirdness that the carpet imparted.
I loved that weird fucking room. The physical embodiment of how I imagine a 1970s cocktail party, with too much gin and too much cocaine and no edible food.
I was devastated when I heard that they changed the old Gem Hall. Like you, my kids (probably near your age) loved, loved, loved hanging around in there--the carpeted steps up and down the levels, the darkness, the amazing gems everywhere. I remember there was a huge slab of amethyst crystal that they called the Jelly Rock because it looked like a giant slab of grape jelly. As a parent, I loved that they could move around in there without my having to follow them everywhere because there was only one way out; I could sit a minute on one of those carpeted levels and just catch my breath. We went many times. I haven't been since the big re-do, but mourning the loss of that favorite place. It was definitely a mood!
I loved that room as a kid. During my brief but fervent rocks and mineral phase, I insisted on visiting that the gem room first. I found the carpet calming and would sit and stare at the giant amethyst, wondering how the hell someone found it and transported it to the museum.
I loved that weird fucking room. The physical embodiment of how I imagine a 1970s cocktail party, with too much gin and too much cocaine and no edible food.
I was devastated when I heard that they changed the old Gem Hall. Like you, my kids (probably near your age) loved, loved, loved hanging around in there--the carpeted steps up and down the levels, the darkness, the amazing gems everywhere. I remember there was a huge slab of amethyst crystal that they called the Jelly Rock because it looked like a giant slab of grape jelly. As a parent, I loved that they could move around in there without my having to follow them everywhere because there was only one way out; I could sit a minute on one of those carpeted levels and just catch my breath. We went many times. I haven't been since the big re-do, but mourning the loss of that favorite place. It was definitely a mood!
Lilly, I loved this so much. And as ever, I love getting to witness this city through your eyes.
I loved that hall too, Lilly. And I love this piece.
I loved that room as a kid. During my brief but fervent rocks and mineral phase, I insisted on visiting that the gem room first. I found the carpet calming and would sit and stare at the giant amethyst, wondering how the hell someone found it and transported it to the museum.
I miss that hall so much. Love love love this piece, Lilly!