Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.
Travel nursing is a rewarding profession that allows healthcare professionals to make a difference in the lives of patients while experiencing new cities and hospitals across the nation. But beyond the stethoscopes and scrubs, there’s another side to travel nursing – one that allows you to explore your creative and cultural interests. And what better time to do so than during National Arts & Humanities Month?
As October unfolds, the United States comes alive with artistic and intellectual vigor. National Arts & Humanities Month is a celebration of the rich tapestry of human expression from the visual arts to literature, music, history, and more. Whether you’re currently on assignment or planning your next adventure, you can seize this opportunity to connect with the creative side of life and nurture your passions. In this article, we’ll explore how you can celebrate National Arts & Humanities Month by infusing your travel nursing journey with the magic of culture and creativity.
1. The Getty Center – Los Angeles, California
Perched atop a hill in Los Angeles, the Getty Center offers not only a stunning architectural experience but also an impressive collection of art. The museum features European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and beautiful gardens with breathtaking views of the city. It’s a serene oasis in the bustling city of Los Angeles.
2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – San Francisco, California
Located in San Francisco, MoMA houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s a place where you can explore the avant-garde and discover works by iconic artists like Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol. The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase the latest trends in the art world.
3. The Outsiders House – Tulsa, Oklahoma
If the names Ponyboy, Sodapop, or Johnny Cade mean anything to you, we insist you take a trip down memory lane right into Greaser territory – or, in this case, a very real neighborhood in Oklahoma. The fictional home of Ponyboy Curtis and its surrounding Tulsa neighborhood were hand-picked by Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola to film the movie adaptation of “The Outsiders” book by author S.E. Hinton. In the spirit of preserving the house and memorabilia from this 80s-era cult classic, that iconic house the Curtis brothers called home in the film was frozen in time as The Outsiders House Museum. As healthcare professionals, we can all use the occasional reminder to “Stay Golden”.
4. Houston Museum of Natural Science – Houston, Texas
The Houston Museum of Natural Science includes a constant rotation of temporary and permanent exhibits like the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Morian Hall of Paleontology. The museum is also home to an IMAX theatre, observatory, and a planetarium that boasts its own popular exhibits like Black Holes and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.
5. Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Dallas, Texas
The Perot Science Museum is a massive 6-story museum in the heart of downtown Dallas. Each of the museum’s six floors is dedicated to a different branch of science (astronomy, human anatomy, and geology, to name just a few) that offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits guaranteed to pique anyone’s curiosity. The uniquely modern architecture and design make the Perot Museum building a scientific wonder all on its own. Visit their website to purchase tickets and check out their rotation of special exhibits and events like ‘Thursdays on Tap’.
6. Tabasco Factory & Museum – Avery Island, Louisiana
How often do you get to see firsthand how something as beloved and ubiquitous as Tabasco is made? It’s definitely worth the trip to the southeast Louisiana coast (near Grand Isle) to Avery Island, Louisiana for the Tabasco Factory Tour. You can tour the TABASCO plant, take a relaxing walk through the mature oaks in Jungle Gardens, or attend one of the culinary demos & tastings throughout the week.
7. The National WWII Museum – New Orleans, Louisiana
For those interested in history, particularly the history of World War II, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a must-see. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the war’s impact on the world and the individuals who lived through it. It offers a powerful and moving experience, making it a valuable stop for travel nurses with an appreciation for history.
8. The Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known for its vibrant arts scene, and the Art Institute of Chicago is a cornerstone of that cultural landscape. This world-renowned museum is home to an extensive collection of art, including famous works like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jette.” Art-loving travel nurses can easily spend hours exploring its galleries.
9. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or VMFA, is a cultural source of pride for Richmond, Virginia. Not only is it one of the largest art museums, but it is also one of the largest museums in North America. A visit here is a fantastic way to relax and restore your mental and spiritual batteries after a stretch of long, demanding nursing shifts. If you’re feeling particularly inspired after strolling through the museum’s countless exhibits, you won’t have to look far for help nurturing that creative spark. VMFA also offers a variety of hands-on classes like photography, drawing, painting, sculpting, and digital arts to help create your own masterpiece.
10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City, New York
No list of top museums in the United States would be complete without mentioning the Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to as “The Met.” Located on the eastern edge of Central Park in New York City, this iconic museum houses an extensive collection of art from various cultures and time periods. Travel nurses can spend days exploring its exhibits, which include Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, and contemporary art.
As a travel nurse, you have the unique opportunity to explore different cities and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the United States. Museums offer a fantastic way to do just that, allowing you to expand your horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the places you visit. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, science, or aviation, a U.S. museum will cater to your interests. So, make the most of your assignments by including visits to these cultural treasures in your itinerary, and you’ll create lasting memories while enriching your understanding of the world around you.
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