Deborah McCormick – Page 2 – Ocean Blue WORLD

Giraffe Manor—Nairobi, Kenya

Africa’s Gentle Giant—Dine with Giraffes at Giraffe Manor

“I had a farm in Africa” is the famous opening line by Meryl Streep in the film Out Of Africa based on the life of Karen Blixen. Giraffe Manor is part of The Safari Collection and consists of luxury lodges and camps that pay homage to Blixen and her partner Finch Hutton (played in the film by Robert Redford).

At Giraffe Manor you can elect to stay in either Karen Blixon or Finch Hutton’s rooms which are adorned with original pieces belonging to Blixen – although to the best of our knowledge they shared a room which is where the most famous romance in Africa blossomed. The property is set on private land bordered by indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. With its old-school elegance, sunny terraces and open courtyards, guests often say it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa.

Photo Courtesy by thesafaricollection.com

If you’ve never been to Africa, Giraffe Manor is the excuse you’ve been searching for. Only in this special place will you see unobstructed views of the sky and animals roaming freely around you.

If you do stay at Giraffe Manor, you will be greeted every morning by a herd of friendly giraffes that know that they will be amply fed if they visit you on the lawn or pop their heads through your window. While Giraffe are some of the gentlest wild creatures in Africa you will also have the pleasure of taking an excursion to search for the big five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo. The big five got their name from being some of the most dangerous game, but don’t worry you will be accompanied by expert guides who will ensure your safety (and if that is not good enough just make sure you can run faster than the person next to you).

Photo Courtesy by allthatsinteresting.com

The Safari Collection also has an expedition to see the famous Virunga Gorillas who recently gained attention in the Executive Produced Leonardo DiCaprio Netflix documentary special “Virunga.” The gorillas are located in the continents most diverse biologically protected area. We promise you there is nothing that compares to being allowed in the presence of these critically endangered species.

At Giraffe Manor you’ll freely disconnect from daily hustle and bustle of cars, traffic, loud noise and endless commutes. Here, you’re asked to reconnect with a side of yourself you never knew you missed. You will go to bed with the sounds of lions and hyena’s and wake up to giraffe, elephants, kudu, impala’s and so much more. You will eat the freshest most delicious food in the world prepared by expert chefs, bathe in a pool overlooking Africa and have a night cap watching the sun set—with every hue visible—unobstructed by anything man- made.

Only in Africa will you find yourself and realize that there is so more to life than you thought possible. This is a trip of a lifetime.

Bali Spirit Festival

The current hustle and bustle of our daily lives can leave us emotionally and physically exhausted. Technology is our greatest weapon, but also our biggest enemy. With everything at our fingertips, and being reachable 24/7, we need a little breathing room. Do you see where this is going? Now, more than ever it’s important to seek out ways we can unwind and reconnect with ourselves.

Which brings us to the “Bali Spirit Festival” March 24-31 2019. Nestled in the exotic rice fields of the small town of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, it is a festival dedicated to meditation, authentic relationships, breath work, dance, and healing.

Kevin James performing at the Bali Spirit Festival, Arma, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, 20/03/2014.

The festival started in 2008, so while it is still fairly new, it is safe to say no one will have any Fyre Festival issues. The celebration is aimed at creating a community who can gather through dance, yoga and diversity with its vision further enhanced by being a not for profit. Over the last ten years the event has given back over $100,000 US dollars to local organizations for children’s programs, the environment, HIV and more.

Ubud was chosen as the spot for the festival, as it is considered by many locals and tourists to be the epicenter of cultural activity in Bali. Most likely because the town’s Royal family is a patron of the arts – founding the Pitamaha Artists Cooperative in 1936 – that focuses on integrating traditional Balinese art and Western art. So, any one attending is wise to bring extra cash and leave room in their luggage for some “must have” unique shopping finds.

Photo Courtesy by http://far-horizon.com

But, of course we are not here to shop, we are here to dance, breath and chill with Ubud acting as the perfect blissful location. With greenery and tranquility it is here you can recharge your inner self, reconnect with your real desires, focus on inner calm and have authentic conversations with like-minded people.

Bali Spirit Festival is a great time to ditch your international cell phone plan and connect with a few of the 5,000 people in attendance representing over 60 countries. The sessions are also run by a host of international experts in their fields with every night hosting a dance party.

Photo Courtesy by balispiritfestival.com

This really is the ultimate eat, pray and hopefully love festival.

5 Engagement Ring Trends for 2019

From Meghan and Harry to Perry and Bloom, the rich and the famous spare no expense when it comes to marking their engagements with some pricy talked-about stones. But for the coming year, move over clear-cut diamonds in traditional settings, the trends for 2019 come in all colors, shapes and styles. Here are five fun ones to look out for.

Colored Stones

Colored engagement rings are having their day in the sun, thanks to celebrities such as Katy Perry, Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde and many others. So, which stones are the real stunners? Canary diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires are a few noteworthy head turners. Colored stones are a great way to make a ring uniquely you. But, you don’t have to shun the white diamond altogether. Colored stones look great surrounded by a sea of sparkly support. Kate Middleton’s ring is one that comes to mind.

Three Stones in a Modern Setting

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry can take credit for the single stone supported by two diamonds or gemstones on either side. This represents a couple’s past, present and future. The trifecta lends an element of the unexpected, with timeless looks and appeal.

Yellow Gold

If there’s one metal that comes in and out as often as jeans change styles it’s yellow gold. In the 90s, gold was definitely out in both pop culture and the fashion world. But since then, it’s enjoyed staying power and versatility as it works well with diamonds and brightly colored gemstones in just about any kind of setting, from contemporary to classic.

Stacked Rings

An engagement ring is the ultimate starting point to stacking multiple bands. And designers such as Marrow Fine are perpetuating this trend. With a stackable look, the engagement ring is the star, and the bands the supporting cast. Stones can be pear, round, oval, rectangle—even octagon. To call stacking a trend isn’t totally accurate, as the look appears to be here to stay.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Millennials are all about lab-grown diamonds, particularly because they are sustainable and have very little impact on Mother Earth. They’re definitely not fakes and considered every bit as real as the mined variety. In fact, lab-grow diamonds carry the same grades and certifications as minded diamonds.

So, whether you’re popping the question or giving out hints to that special someone, perhaps one of this year’s trends will end up on your wish list.

Luxury Hotels with Pets on the Guest List

In honor of National Love Your Pet Day, we combed the globe in search of luxury hotels that cater to guests of the canine kind. These five stood out in particularly as places where personal service is definitely a big perk for your pooch.

The Peninsula Hotel, New York

Stay in the heart of The Big Apple with your furry friend in tow. The Peninsula puts you steps from 5^th Avenue, Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Dog friendly for a fee, the Peninsula charges $150 extra per stay for pets, and they can’t weigh over 65 pounds. But the five-star hotel puts everyone in the lap of luxury with apartment-styled rooms and suites wrapped in a neo-classical charm. Rooms start around $695 per night.

Hotel Nikko, San Francisco

The art of Asian hospitality is the tagline of the Hotel Nikko, a chic getaway where everything is done with a bit more flair. The 24-hour health club is 10,000 sq. ft. and houses a fitness center, steam room, shiatsu massage and an atrium-style pool. If you need proof of their dog loving ways, there’s a 2,200 sq. foot outdoor terrace, complete with a dog run. So, there’s plenty of fresh air and natural light for your four-legged friends.

12 Apostles Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

A worthwhile stopover on Cape Town’s most scenic route is this five-star boutique hotel that’s always up for adventure bordered by Table Mountain National Park and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. You and your fur baby can marvel at the ocean and mountain scenery, do a bit of whale watching, or explore the balmy beaches of Campus Bay. The hotel has plenty of dog beds, bowls and special pet menus on hand, but your pet must be under knee height. There’s a small damage deposit, returned to you after your stay.

Hotel Cappuccino, Seoul, South Korea

Trendy travelers will feel at home in South Korea’s capital city, which caters to millennial travelers who don’t like rules. Urban through and through, the hotel rooms are flooded with white and grey and minimalists in their compact comfort. Here, your canine companions get access to the Bark Room, with custom pet beds made from birch, toys and even pajamas for dogs. That’s called service. Solve the late night cravings by calling room service and asking to have a dental chew delivered (and a night cap for yourself).

The Ace hotel London, England

This hipster haven in a busy spot in the city with some uncommon amenities for trendy travelers, including dog shows. Through the front lobby, dark wood floors and concrete walls beckon you to sit and join the gig workers on laptops inside the co-working space. This stylish hotel is so dog friendly, they’ll even give you a list of shops and restaurants nearby where your dog is welcome. You’ll also find locally sourced products at the “Bulldog Edition café.”

Happy National Pet day and we hope all your furry friends get the pampering in high style that they deserve.

Clutches to Heart for Valentine’s Day

In the 19^th century, purses didn’t exist if you can believe that. There was no need for them. A women’s dress had so much fabric that a simple pocket or two sufficed to hold valuables. By the start of the 20^th century, smaller skirts meant that women needed a place to stash their stuff. Once the slinky silk gowns and flapper outfits arrived on the scene, pockets were no more and the clutch was born.

Clutches were meant to complement a girl’s outfit, like accessorizing with a gold bangle or a pair of hoop earrings. Often that meant buying a different handbag for every change of clothes. Jewelers such as Van Clef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co and Cartier created boxes blinged out with gemstones, too expensive for the average woman. Today clutches come in all shapes, sizes, styles and sizes. We’ve collected five fancy clutches worth a second look for that special someone this Valentine’s Day—even if that’s you.

Bottega Veneta Clutch

The name brings to mind signature leather goods and iconic fashion and these soft leather clutch bags carry all of that and more. The hallmark intrecciato motif is immediately recognizable as is the understated pleasure of owning one. The elegant knot of the bags is woven silk trimmed with ayers leather and punctuated by antique polished metal closures. Perfection.

Tory Burch, Juliette Clutch

Vintage style gets a modern update in this leather clutch bag versatile enough to hang off your shoulder or carry. Fits an iPhone XS or Galaxy S9 and we suggest the color Ruby Red. Comes in all leather with an easy push-lock closure to keep your valuables intact.

Judith Leiber, Peony Crystal Clutch

Going back as far as 1963, Judith Leiber has been designing pocket-sized purses akin to hand-carrying couture. This one stuns in an array of beaded fine Austrian crystals. The attention to detail has an asking price of almost five grand. So if you do take off the 19” chain to carry it, just don’t set it down and forget where you left it. But if money is no object, Leiber also has a one-of-a-kind precious rose handbag that sells for $92,000 new. It does have over a thousand diamonds.

Gucci, GG Marmont Leather Mini Chain Bag

You can’t talk purses without having Gucci at the center of that conversation. This mini chain bag has a textured leather outside and gold toned hardware holding everything together. Plus, an interior zipper and open pockets with six card slots and a mirror. What more could a girl ask for?

Saint Laurent, Love Box Clutch

Wear your heart on your sleeve with this Swarovski crystal-covered clutch shaped like a heart, with an asking price of $2,350.00. It’s a thoughtful way to say I love you.

Exploring 5 of Europe’s Most Picturesque Towns

The quintessential places where old-world charm meet modern curiosity are scattered like gold coins throughout Europe. We went off-the-beaten cobblestone path and uncovered a few hidden gems worth planning your next vacation around. Have a look.

Taormina, Italy

Robert Browning said, “Open my heart and you will see, graved inside of it, Italy.” This captivating and beautiful cliff-top town perched atop the island of Sicily is the stuff of poets and dreamers. During the day, you might find yourself wandering the café-lined streets hunting antiques or exploring the ancient ruins, while looking out to views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano. And really the beauty here is unspeakably rare and rivals even the Amalfi coast.

Soglio, Switzerland

Italian-Swiss painter Giovanni Segantini called Soglio the gateway to paradise. It’s an enchanting village in the Bergell region near Italy and it’s famous for flowers. The narrow stone streets weave in and out and rejoin at the Church of St. Lorenzo, Soglio’s landmark. And while Soglio is a recent and wonderful discovery for many, the settlement and the town were recorded as early as 1219.

Aveiro, Portugal

Welcome to a prosperous town with an uncommon energy and a youthful spirit. This is Aveiro, which hugs the edge of a shallow coastal lagoon on the Ria. A bird-lovers paradise, Aveiro (uh-vey-roo), which might be Latin for place of birds, is the place occasionally dubbed the Venice of Portugal for its boats, bridges and picturesque canals. It’s a lovely spot best discovered on foot or aboard a moliceiro – the traditional seaweed-harvesting boat now used for tourists.

Esslingen, Germany

Southwest Germany’s Esslingen became a major trading center by building two bridges over the Neckar River, making it an obvious for medieval traders. Now the town has more than 200 timber-framed buildings from the 13th to 16th centuries, lining its canals. During the holidays, they are a backdrop for the German Christmas market, where 200 tradesmen in medieval costumes sell authentic crafts from the Middle Ages. But any time of year it’s fun to stroll the narrow streets, admire historic churches, and discover a new baked-good favorite.

Smogen, Sweden

Sweden’s western coast is graced by the small town of Smogen, where getting there is almost as fun as being there. You cross over a bridge with panoramic views of the bay below you. From there, every minute is a new discovery, from the small waterside houses splashed with vibrant color, to the charming and welcoming people.

There you have it – a few new places you might want to put on your travel bucket list for 2019.

Ladurée Paris – A History of Pastry Perfection

Let’s go back in time to the year 1862. A Frenchman from the southwest by the name of Louis Ernest Ladurée opened up a Paris bakery at 16 rue Royale. Next came the Garnier Opera House and almost overnight the area transformed into an elite business district. Many well-known luxury designers had a rue Royale address and the ones that didn’t, wanted one.

A few years later, while Baron Haussmann was giving Paris a “new face,” a bakery fire created an opportunity to convert the space into a pastry shop. Poster artist and turn-of-the-century painter Jules Cheret was brought in to decorate the new shop. He borrowed inspiration from the Sistine Chapel and the Garnier Opera House and integrated those styles into his work. His chubby cherubs and the iconic pastry angel inspired the graphic identity of the brand.

In 1993, the Holder family took over the rue Royale location, turned it into a chain and grew it to several locations. In 1997, Ladurée opened at 75, avenue des Champs-Elysées. A bold move Holder hoped would expand the concept into one of the most sought-after avenues in the world, while staying true to the authentic image of rue Royale. Holders’ philosophy is to bring creativity, emotion and tradition together in an intensely personal definition of the French art de vivre.

The Ladurée name and pastry innovation go together like a macaron and strong coffee. Much like the fashion designers prep for runway shows showcasing the latest fashions, pastry makers reimagine new desserts every year such as the Rose Religieuse, the Liquorice Millefeuillee and the Blackcurrant-Violet Macaron.

While hard to imagine, Ladurée does offer more than macarons. Their cake display is artistry you eat with sculpted creams, crunchy caramels, and sliced fruit decorations. Did you know the macaron didn’t originally have fillings or flavors inside? The pastry rose to greatness when Louis-Ernest Ladurée’s grandson suggested putting two macaron shells together with a creamy ganache filling. The year was 1930.

What began in the City of Lights now spans from SOHO to Los Angeles, with each Ladurée location a special nod to the Paris gem that gave birth to them all.

Rug’Society – Tapestry Masterpieces for the Home

Elevating rugs into the art world is the mission of this Portuguese tapestry company that leads with the slogan: “a love affair between design and craftsmanship.” The Rug’Society brand is emotional and eclectic at the core and that’s the starting point for every new design. Trendsetting is one way to describe the rugs, bold innovators that take their rightful place among the greats such as van Gogh, Monet and Warhol. The rugs are bold, contemporary and forward thinking, but also beautiful to look at. They draw inspiration from everyday life and in particular what’s different and iconic in pop culture. Not from one single lens, but by mixing up different visions, styles and characters.

Speaking of visions and styles, there are visual artists who dream up the designs and the company touts these creations as “rugs with character,” meaning the rugs speak for themselves in uniqueness and style. Years of artisan craftsmanship come standard with every woven work, labelled with punchy names like Mira, Oscar and Suzy. When you think about why people enjoy art and feel a certain attachment to special pieces, it’s because having art in your home is an expression of who you are. This is the same idea with a twist: the company says, “we invest strongly in manual techniques, craftsmanship and the use of noble materials, which bring both the memories of old traditions and the new trends of the present. In short, they want your rug to be an expression of your feelings.

Every rug has a story to tell and these rugs can tell a personal story too. If there’s a unique space in your home that doesn’t fit traditional sizes, the company will make a rug specific to the size you need, from their existing patterns. The rugs, and also extraordinary fabrics, lamps, wallpaper and more, have been written up in Architectural Digest, Design, Elle Decoration and others.

From Bauhaus to your home, Rug’Society provides a fresh new way to express your love of art, starting from ground level.

How Luxury Hotels are Celebrating Thanksgiving

5 Luxury Hotels Hosting a Spectacular Thanksgiving

Gramercy Park Hotel, New York

If you’re taking a bite out of the Big Apple this Thanksgiving, the Gramercy Park Hotel is hosting a Thanksgiving special to rival the parades and holiday hoopla. This Italian-American Thanksgiving takes place at Maialino restaurant, where you choose from two non-traditional, four-course meals. Option one begins with potato and leek followed by butternut squash and sage and heritage turkey, collard greens and sausage stuffing with cranberry mostarda. Option two starts with turkey soup and egg and then on to braised port and arugula, along with roasted lamb, rosemary potatoes, collard greens and romanesco. If you still have room for dessert, it’s courtesy of Executive Pastry Chef Jess Weiss, who captured the comfort and warmth of Rome and reimagined it for New York City.

Park Hyatt, Washington D.C.

The Tony-Chi designed hotel with a stark dining room is the setting for the Michelin-star dinning experience at Park Hyatt’s famed Blue Duck Tavern. This is your all-American fare in high style at the heart of our nation. Newly appointed Executive Chef Adam Howard created the farm-fresh menu showcasing abundant earthy flavors. Starters include kabocha squash soup with cinnamon, croutons and hard cider, and a roast beet salad with blue cheese mousse. The main course showcases regional produce and features roasted prime rib and spiced halibut. As all good things must come to an end, so the meal concludes with something sweet from pastry chef Colleen Murphy.

Ritz Carlton, Chicago

Booked as a “feast without the fuss,” the new deca RESTAURANT + BAR inside this upscale icon even has childcare covered to help you enjoy an uninterrupted feast. You’ll find all the traditional holiday favorites such as roasted turkey with giblet gravy, candied sweet potatoes with a crispy marshmallow crust alongside a few outliers—namely a sushi bar and antipasti. There will also be plenty of apple, pumpkin and pecan pie as well as praline cheesecake, adorning the base of the hotel’s iconic fountain.

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, California

Photo Courtesy: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel.

Maybe you’d rather surround yourself with nature than stare into the faces of relatives eager to talk politics. Located in the middle of Yosemite National Park, this historic landmark has been the destination of queens and presidents and its rustic and elegant design is meant to highlight the tranquil surroundings. This year’s feast will be in the hotel’s grand dining room and will feature all your favorites such as roasted pumpkin bisque and turkey with maple glazed sweet potatoes.

The Driskill Hotel, Austin

Every taste bud is welcome at this hotel with a modern take on tradition. This landmark of legendary Texas hospitality will be serving slow-roasted turkey and ham will all the fixings, but also caprese, confit-garlic crusted prime rib and deviled eggs with caviar. Dine in a room fit for royalty and let their attentive staff pack up your leftovers.

With any of these delicious choices, you’ll be in close proximity to a comfy bed and a high thread count to nap off your meal in luxury.

Welcome to the Colorful World of Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé, Pastry Maker Extraordinaire

Pierre Hermé has what is arguably one of the best jobs in the world. He is a French pastry chef and chocolatier. The World’s Best Pastry Chef, according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants guide. He’s been called the Picasso of pastry and the Dior of desserts and his cult following stretches across the globe. Maybe it’s how he strips classic pastries of their pomp and circumstance or tames the most unpredictable cocoa beans. Whatever it is, with 50 stores worldwide and one of the youngest people to win the world’s best moniker, Pierre Hermé is definitely not slowing down anytime soon.

After his breakout success opening a boutique in Tokyo, Pierre has put new pastry shops on the map in Paris, South Korea, Morocco, Thailand, and many more. Heir to four generations of Alsatian bakery and pastry-making traditions, Hermé arrived in Paris at the age of 14 to do an apprenticeship with Gaston Lenotre. After a few different jobs with well-known brands he set up the Tokyo shop, Maison Pierre Hermé Paris in 1998 with his associate Charles Znaty. His Paris shop is the notable 72 Rue Bonaparte, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés fashion quarter and serving, among other tasty treats, the best macaroons you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Hermé’s latest creations are his spin on the traditional mooncakes, which celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. The round delicacy has been a part of Chinese culture for more than three thousand years. His Pléntitude Mooncake represents the full moon and new moon. He replaced the salted egg yolk with a soft caramel center, but who’s complaining? The Ouvre-Toi Mooncake is a play off Hermé’s bonbon, and blends praline and sesame nougatine topped with a crescent-shaped chocolate sliver to represent the varying moon phases.

So, what’s next for this savant of the sweets? This year, Pierre launched a collection of ice creams and sorbets. He said of his flavors, “I enjoy exploring contrasts in tastes and textures.” The eccentric flavors are certainly unexpected with names like lemon and almond with macaron biscuits and corsican immortelle flower and candied citrus. While the ice creams have disappeared for the winter months, it’s highly likely Pierre will have something new and wonderful in store for the holiday season.

The Yael Sonia x Teçume Collection

Amazonian Artisanal Jewelry

Designer Yael Sonia has always been drawn to gems and jewelry, but her fascination goes beyond the glitz and sparkle. For her, it’s more about the symbolism and personal meaning behind each piece. Her newest collection has deep meaning beneath the blend of 18-karat gold, diamonds and gemstones with straw, woven by female Amazonian artisans.

The artisans live along the Tupana and Igapó-Açu rivers in the Amazon, a rare spot relatively untouched by deforestation. People get around by fishing boat or on foot. The women weave baskets in an honorary fashion, with straw sustainably sourced from the surrounding forest. There’s a genuine respect for the environment in the work. The artisans are careful to remove the vine from the plant so it will still grow and thrive.

Unfortunately, weaving the small vines into jewelry wasn’t as easy. The artisan women were used to making baskets and handbags. To recreate that on a much smaller scale required real skill. Sonia researched the different weaving techniques before she met the women and the work paid off. The weaving adds spellbinding dimension to Sonia’s geometrical gems. The effect is sensational on a pair of earrings that give guava rose quartz an earthy aura. The centrepiece is an 18-karat gold necklace with amazonite, aquamarine, diamonds and ambé vine straw. But alas, it was auctioned off at the Brazil Foundation gala in New York City this year. Other pieces feature amazonite, aquamarine and diamonds along with guava quartz and malachite, and fetch between $2,700 and $12,000.

Sonia split her time growing up between New York, Paris and Sáo Paulo and was always in the company of fine art and interesting culture. But it was in Brazil where she discovered the heart and soul of gemstones. Her popular Perpetual Motion Collection features perfectly round gemstones suspended in slick gold that glide up and down.

What’s left of the new collection will travel to Sonia’s São Paulo showroom. Sonia said working with her fellow craftspeople was a “wonderful dialogue.” She enjoyed seeing the elements work together so well that are from thousands-year-old traditions.

All proceeds will go to Casa do Rio, the non-profit supporting sustainable projects in the Amazon, including this one.

The New Amos Rex Museum

Helsinki’s Glass Menagerie

Everything old is new again rings true for the historic site of the new Amos Rex museum. Punctuated by endless lines, the newly renovated museum attracted more than 10,000 visitors on its opening last August, including scores of journalists from across the globe. You might say it’s the biggest thing to happen to Finland’s capital since the 1952 Olympics.

Formerly known as the Amos Anderson Art Museum, the original works came from Amos himself, a renowned Finish collector, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Bursting at the seams with its burgeoning art, the museum outgrew its current site and desperately needed a new modern home. The five-year $58 million building project landed in the lap of Architectural firm JKMM, charged with redesigning the museum.

That home is the 1930s building Lasipalasti, which translated means “glass palace.” From street level, it’s a cheery façade of shops and mid-century cool masking otherworldly treasures. City restrictions meant the museum couldn’t build up, so it built down instead. But this presented an interesting challenge to the architects. How do you make the museum a visible part of the cityscape, while keeping it open and inviting to draw onlookers? Create a series of five underground spaces that bubble onto the street in quirky moonscape-style domes. The domes have become a playground for museum visitors and an architectural milestone for Finland.

The Lasipalatsi also holds a 590-seat cinema, which was restored along with the museum space. The rest of the building is filled with shops and eateries that no doubt benefited from the museum’s splashy opening, showcasing Japanese-based artist collaborative teamLab. Their exhibition is called “Massless,” four gallery spaces with blacked-out walls highlighting immersive and interactive installations. The show runs until Jan. 6, 2019.

The Amos Anderson foundation funded the new museum and it pays homage to Amos, who died in 1961. Four years after his death, the original museum opened in Helsinki with his collection of mostly Finnish and European art.

Poet Anna Akhmatova once wrote about Finland, “and the sunset itself on such waves of ether that I just can’t comprehend, whether it is the end of the day, the end of the world, or the mystery of mysteries in me again.” The new Amos Rex Museum certainly inspires and mysteriously as it draws people to its subterranean wonderland.