Celtic art in BernThe Celts of Northern Europe, who were spread over Europe from the British Isles to Bulgaria, are believed to have started developing an art form in about 700 B.C. Some of its characteristics included geometrical patterns, plant-like ornaments, masks and grotesque faces, and motifs of winding tendrils and spirals. Incorporated by Roman art in the first to third centuries, the original art form remained in the British Isles, where it peaked in the monks’ illustrated manuscripts of the gospels.
From July 18 to Oct. 18, the Historical Museum in Bern, Switzerland, is showing the exhibition "The Art of the Celts." It includes: 450 Celtic art treasures and pieces of jewelry from across Europe; everyday bronze, iron, silver and gold objects; artifacts found in graves; and cult objects. New finds from France, never before exhibited, also will be on display.
The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets to the special exhibition are 18 euros for adults and 8 euros for children ages 6 to 16.
The museum is also the site of the Einstein Museum. Einstein lived in Bern when he developed his E=mc2 formula. The exhibition features original memorabilia, written records and documentaries. There is also a multimedia explanation of his revolutionary theories.
Admission is 18 euros for adults, 8 euros for children ages 6 to 16. A combined ticket for both exhibits costs 24 euros for adults and 12 euros for children. Details are available at www.bhm.ch.
Thanksgiving in BarcelonaSpend Thanksgiving in the Spanish city of Barcelona Nov. 26 to 29 on a city tour with Graziella Tours.
Highlights include a guided walking tour of the Barrio Gothico, La Rambla and the Gothic District and a drive through the modern city to see its unique architecture, with a focus on the quirky buildings of Antoni Gaudi. Free time allows you to visit other sites, including the Picasso Museum, and to go shopping.
The cost is 670 euros per person, double occupancy, and includes round-trip airfare from Frankfurt to Barcelona, three nights’ accommodations, buffet breakfasts, one dinner, entrance fees, motor-coach transportation, transfers and English-speaking guide.
Get more information from Destination Services Klaus Heinrich at telephone (+49) (0) 821-2434-280, or by e-mail info@destination-services.de; or call Graziella Sefcik at (+49) (0) 8231-2134.
Communism museumImmerse yourself in the history of communism in the Czech Republic at Prague’s Museum of Communism. Under the theme "Communism — the Dream, the Reality and the Nightmare," the exhibits focus on 1948 through 1989 — the year of the Velvet Revolution that saw the overthrow of the Communist government.
The exhibits focus on the totalitarian regime in areas such as daily life, politics, history, the arts, sports, economics, education, media propaganda, army and police. In addition to documents and pictures, it includes replicas of a schoolroom and interrogation room and video clips.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Tickets cost 180 Czech Republic koruny (about $9.30) for adults, children younger than 10 get in free. Details are available at www.muzeumkomunismu.cz.
Best BetsENGLAND: Enjoy a day of music, art, theater and crafts Saturday at Cambridge’s annual community Strawberry Fair. Much of the program isn’t revealed until fair day, but organizers promise a lively carnival parade, film festival, kids’ entertainment area, creative arts area, and seven stages with a variety of electronic and acoustic music. The fair’s Web site is www.strawberry-fair.org.uk.
FRANCE: She was 13 years old when she heard God’s voice. But the peasant girl Jeanne — or Joan — became the country’s national heroine for her leadership against the English in The Hundred Years’ War. Return to her medieval world this weekend during Reims’ annual Joan of Arc Festival celebrating the country’s patron saint. The program in this coronation city with its grand cathedral includes a medieval market and medieval entertainment with theater, music, children’s activities and a tournament. After Mass on Sunday, a pageant of the French kings’ coronations takes place and, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., a medieval procession escorting Joan and King Charles VII makes its way through the city streets, followed by another tournament dedicated to the saint. Events are free. Find more at www.reims-fetes.com/fetes_johaniques.php (in French).
GERMANY: Heidelberg’s skies will light up Saturday during the city’s annual castle illumination and fireworks. The tradition began in 1613 when Prince Elector Frederic V welcomed his new bride, English princess Elizabeth Stuart, to her new home. The illumination also alludes to the burning of the castle by the French in 1693 and its ruins being hit by lightning in 1764. Fireworks begin at about 10:15 p.m. A crafts market will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Kornmarkt in the Old Town.
— Jayne Traendly
