Educational Media Reviews Online

This series of documentaries, Great Museums, showcases the dazzling collections of human creativity housed in art museums. Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of work spans 5,000 years of art and world culture. Its two million square feet of floor space features European and American pieces with additional works from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Mesoamerica. The sculpture collection as well as the arms and armor, furniture and decorative arts, and costumes are also outstanding.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts covers two centuries of American art, showing paintings by Thomas Eakins (once Director of the School), Mary Cassatt, John Sloan, Thomas Hart Benton, and Charles Wilson Peale. Founded in 1805, the Academy is also home to America’s oldest art school and its mission remains the same as when it opened, to train and exhibit working American artists. Each video also includes interviews with art experts, curators, archivists and artists, explaining the importance of many of the works shown and how art has shaped the American identity. Both museums and videos present art as democratic, to be created, viewed, and appreciated by everyone. The Great Museums series is also shown on many PBS stations across the country to reach a wide audience.

Video technique and effects are outstanding as is the photography. The close-up views of great paintings makes the viewer feel he or she can reach out and touch them or at the very least are in the same room. Editing was judicious and effective. The film is suitable for adults of all ages. School, academic and public libraries should purchase to demonstrate the importance and entertainment value of art and art museums.

Awards

• CINE Golden Eagle Award, Fall, 2005 international competition for the documentary The Metropolitan Museum of Art: A World of Art