Some of my roommates and I decided to go together to tour the Museum of Modern Art housed in the Pitti Palace. While the others unanimously declared it disappointing ("Not modern enough!") I didn't mind. I learned that the museum was founded in 1860. Most of the work is from the nineteenth century, and the museum did not keep up with the times--the twentieth century was not well represented here.

Frankly, after so many Madonna and Childs and Crucifixions, I was relieved to see something else, almost anything else. I found the Tuscan impressionist works a delightful change, their fuzzy edges soft on my eyes.

I enjoyed the humor too, in such pieces as the statue of an upset toddler trying to keep his piece of toast safe from the family dog.

Occupying the second floor of the Pitti Palace, it's a grand place to just walk around in, with its high ceilings, rich draperies, and broad, silent halls. Since it was not the most heavily visited museum, it was peaceful and relaxing to explore its treasures.

As the Pitti Palace houses a large number of museums, I purchased a combined pass at a discount so I could explore more. Although the Carriage Museum and the Costume Museum were closed, there were still many fine sights left to behold.

Next: Living Like Royalty