Latest news with #TerenceConran
Time Out
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The most underrated museum in the world's best cities, according to Time Out editors
This Sunday (May 18) is International Museum Day – and what better way to mark the occasion than stopping by one of your city's unsung institutions? Sure, that tourist-choked arts district in the city centre has all the Big Ones, but we've lost count of the number of times we've shuffled through those lofty halls. To help you expand your cultural horizons, we asked Time Out editors in 11 of the world's biggest and best cities to share their favourite underrated museum. Some are small and incredibly niche, others simply sit in the shadow of bigger institutions – and they're all well worth adding to your next city break itinerary. So, for when you've ticked off your Louvres, your Vaticans and your MoMAs, here are our picks for 11 of the world's most underrated museums in our favourite major cities. Miniature Museum Small Worlds, Tokyo 'Tucked away on Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Small Worlds is home to one of the largest collections of miniatures and dioramas in the world. There are small-scale reproductions of real-life locations such as Kansai International Airport and NASA's space centre in the 1960s, alongside fictional scenes from animes including Sailor Moon. Best of all, an in-house 3D scanner means you too can get the titchy treatment, either taking your miniature home with you or paying to have it placed in one of the museum's exhibits for a year.'— Marcus Webb, Time Out Tokyo editor Design Museum, London 'The Design Museum might be younger, smaller and less well-known than gigantic, all-conquering, tourist-swallowing London establishments like the British Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and so on, but its exhibitions can go toe-to-toe with all of 'em. The museum was founded by legendary designer Sir Terence Conran and its scope is vast – covering pretty much anything that's been designed, ever, from film sets to coffee tables. Best of all, every exhibition I've been to here has been exquisitely, thoughtfully curated, as engaging for total design newbies as for nerds.'— Ed Cunningham, UK and London news editor City Reliquary, New York City 'While other museums might take you through the history of NYC via historic documents, photographs and priceless artifacts, City Reliquary chooses a far more eclectic approach to shedding light on the greatest city in the world. The permanent collection includes all sorts of quirky ephemera like old postcards, a vintage subway turnstile and glasses that once held seltzer water.'— Rossilynne Culgan, Time Out New York things to do editor Chau Chak Wing Museum, Sydney 'Hidden in the grounds of the University of Sydney, this treasure trove of a museum hasn't been around all that long (it opened in late 2020), but it has been generations in the making. The curation is more poetic than analytical – bringing together diverse artefacts from archives of art, historic antiquities, and scientific specimens – offering visitors a fresh perspective, and challenging colonial narratives.'— Alice Ellis, Time Out Australia editor-in-chief Can Framis Museum, Barcelona 'In the heart of Poblenou, Can Framis Museum blends architectural brilliance with contemporary Catalan art and a distinctive urban setting that offers a contemplative environment away from the city's more crowded tourist spots. Over 250 works by artists born or residing in Catalonia are displayed in this restored eighteenth-century textile factory, transformed by architect Jordi Badia and his firm BAAS Arquitectura, which now integrates modern concrete structures, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new. The emphasis on local talent provides visitors with a profound journey through iconic contemporary Catalan paintings, created from the 1960s until the present day.' — Maria Jose Gomez, Time Out Barcelona editor , Singapore 'Though it's tucked away on the campus of the National University of Singapore, this oft-forgotten museum housing ginormous dinosaur skeletons, fossils, the bones of a 10.6-metre-long sperm whale, and countless other zoological specimens is open to the public. Even the building's biophilic cliff-like design is something to marvel at.'— Rachel Yohannan, Time Out Singapore editor Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, Lisbon 'A space dedicated to the Portuguese naturalist master, renowned for his striking faience pieces produced in Caldas da Rainha, as well as for the sharp-witted illustrations and caricatures that filled the press in the second half of the nineteenth century. The museum hosts a varied programme, with events for all ages. Cross the road and take a stroll through the garden dedicated to the artist, where ceramic animals bring his whimsical world to life.'— Mauro Gonçalves, executive editor at Time Out Lisbon CupNoodles Museum, Osaka 'On the outskirts of Osaka you'll CupNoodles, a shrine to the joys of instant noodles. Here you'll learn about the history of the convenience store staple, see a replica of the shed where 'chicken noodles' were invented and even whip up your own original Cup Noodles for the coolest souvenir going.'— MW MOD, Adelaide 'This free, futuristic museum is like no other in the country, blending art and science in a super interactive way. Across the museum's seven interactive spaces, you'll find all sorts of touchscreens, drawing pads and building blocks designed to challenge how we think about the future. Here, you'll also find Australia's first Science on a Sphere: a glowing six-foot, 3D video globe that morphs into different planets – one day it's the Earth, the next, the moon or even Mars.'— Melissa Woodley, Time Out Australia travel and news editor Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena (Los Angeles) 'Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh and a regionally unparalleled collection of South and Southeast Asian sculpture – in almost any other city, the Norton Simon's stellar collection would make it the art museum. But aside from its starring role as the TV backdrop to the annual Rose Parade, the Pasadena museum often gets second billing to its Los Angeles neighbors – which, luckily for you, means a bit more breathing room in its lovely sculpture garden (temporarily closed due to construction).' — Micheal Juliano, Time Out Los Angeles editor Museum of Desire, Melbourne 'This newcomer to Melbourne's museum scene is an adults-only, multi-sensory space designed to celebrate all things love, pleasure, and yes, sex. With more than 25 amorous activations, it's all about flirty fun with an aim to switch up social norms around desire and sexuality.'— Leah Glynn, Time Out Melbourne editor
Irish Examiner
24-04-2025
- Irish Examiner
Hotel Review: A stylish revamp and cool new bar put this Dublin five-star back on the map
Location The Fitzwilliam Hotel opened on St Stephen's Green in 1998, in an enviable location at the top of Grafton Street, surrounded by Georgian Dublin. The zeitgeisty blend of minimalist design and glossy Terence Conran interiors initially impressed, but the new-build's blingy fit-out didn't age well. The bar, which should have buzzed with life, always felt cold and soulless, failing to win over the discerning locals who patronised neighbouring 5-star hotel bars. Now the fresh new look should help draw more visitors and Dubliners to the stylish address, which is close to shopping, culture, dining and transport options. 9/10 Style and design There's a serenity and warmth to the lobby as you step in from the bustle of St Stephen's Green. A luxurious palette of muted tones has been harnessed, with discreet Art Deco tropes, welcoming curves and sculptural flowers. The double height reception area, chequered floors, huge artworks, wood and brushed metallics, modern fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the street, whispers, rather than shouts, sophistication. The look is carried through to a glamorus new Lounge, that feels vibrant and premium. The design feels grown-up, intimate and cosmopolitan. 9/10 Service The concierge team, lead by the charming Marcin Worek, make an impression greeting guests in smart purple overcoats. Check-in is pleasant and chatty, carried out with the offer of complementary prosecco, which sets the tone for a special stay. Walked to our bedroom we receive a comprehensive show-around that reveals the room's key features. Later, in The Lounge, bar manager Ivan delivers polished and informed service, helping with cocktail choices and food. Breakfast service is equally attentive, and it seems a far more polished and personal experience than we've had in the past. 9/10 Rooms If you're fortunate to have a room with a balcony on a sunny day, as we did, you can enjoy a drink (or Irish cheeseboard) outdoors, perched high above Georgian Dublin watching the people and Luas below. This bird's eye view into St Stephen's Green, is a summer USP. Views in the room aren't too shabby either, with a delicious blend of Art Deco detailing and high-end finishes. A bird's eye view into St Stephen's Green from the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin. A room full of soft curves is balanced by elegant geometric patterns in the carpet and bold bathroom tiles. Blush pink, smooth marble, fabric walls in gunmetal grey and accents of brushed brass and bevelled walnut feel indulgent and luxurious. The seating and beds are comfy, layout is thoughtful, and the room feels like somewhere you'd happily hide out. 10/10 In-room perks Tea drinkers will love the mini teapots that stack neatly into the teacups, plus selection of Barry's Tea and Ronnefeldt herbal teas. Nespresso pods plus Java Republic instant coffee offer choices for coffee drinkers (though we don't love the UHT milk, which could easily be swapped out for fresh milk the mini bar.) A large selection of premium spirits feels a little corporate though a few Irish products, including O'Donnells' Ballymaloe Relish crisps can be found amongst Cocoa Atelier almonds and Dairy Milk bars. There's complementary shortbread and bonus points for the luxurious Irish toiletries by Roads. 8/10 On the menu The Lounge had launched a new Bloody Mary menu, which we think is an excellent idea. There's an eclectic and imaginative cocktail menu too, and while the food menu is set for changes, we beg the powers that be not to remove the sensational crispy fried pickles with buttermilk ranch dressing. Barbecued pork belly bites and Cáis na Tire truffle croquettes followed by beetroot and goats cheese risotto were all delicious. The Lounge at The Fitzwilliam. The Fitzwilliam is also home to the Michelin-starred Glover's Alley, where Andy McFadden cooks superb food , although we didn't dine there on this occasion. The breakfast room, a low-ceilinged mezzanine, is a challenging space, and one that, despite the makeover, gives me cruise ship vibes. Despite my misgivings, the buffet is undeniably excellent, with good pastries, juices, granola yogurt pots and charcuterie. Cooked to order food is top notch and the service is lovely throughout. 9/10 Activities & amenities A small gym, with a few machines and free weights, has no windows and a low ceiling. It feels cramped and tokenistic, though runners will love pounding the wide Georgian pavements and parks outside the front door. There's no spa or pool in this boutique hotel, but you're surrounded by every service you could need in the city centre. 5/10 The bill B&B from €346 per night for two. Our rating: 9/10 Room to improve? The pressure in our shower wasn't as strong as we'd have liked. Access for guests with disabilities? Yes, but call to book as some showers have a small step in. Family-friendly? Yes, with cookies, hot milk, and a bedtime story delivered by the Slumber Butler. EV chargers? Yes, and valet parking. The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin. Read More Hotel review: This converted farmhouse is perfect for West Cork gallivanting
