The importance of going to an art museum alone

A brisk blast of cold air hits my skin as I open up a large, clear door. Suddenly, I am transported from the hot Florida heat to a quiet, serene lobby. I’ve escaped from reality and am taking a brief self-care break.

I’m at Tampa Museum of Art. I’m not at the art museum for class, an assignment, or because my friends wanted to meet up, just to relax and meditate by myself.

According to Forbes, travel allows people to better their mental health. While independence is fundamental to functionally live and survive in society. With the combination of the two, solo travel, you are able to get out of your comfort zone and find yourself.

“Spend time alone and often; touch base with your soul,” said the author of Once a Girl, Now a Women, Nikki Rowe.

People nowadays talk about solo travel all the time and how it benefits you. Personally, I believe visiting an art museum in their home town can be a form of traveling, just not a conventional form. Once you enter an art museum, similar to a novel, you are transported somewhere else, somewhere filled with art.

I’m a very extroverted person and so I love being around people. However, sometimes I just need my personal space to reflect on everything and practice self-care. For me, going to the art museum acts as a way of practicing mindfulness with other individuals around me. So, you’re not completely alone that can cause distraction.

The art piece pictured was actually one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever come across. Just for the pure fact that I go to museums to analyze myself from within, but the piece makes you analyze yourself on the outside, a true physical reflection.

My routine when I decide to go to art museums alone is to first go through the different exhibits and analyze the installations. Usually, I examine the piece coming up with a story or meaning behind the piece. After, I start to examine my own life. In a way, it acts as a form of learning about yourself by looking at your recent actions, things you want to change or fix, and the goals you want to accomplish.

While I’m in this process of growing from what I am to what I want to become, I write down my thoughts and feelings. Art museums truly are the perfect place to journal. The art that surrounds you will fuels your creative side giving you inspiration in your personal life, work-life, and in your journal.

When you’re with others at places like art museums you can feel rushed because they might go at a faster pace. When you’re alone you have a chance to go at your own pace and just really take everything in. The general quietness that fills an art museum alone lets you clear your head with having time to yourself.

“If you make friends with yourself you will never be alone,” said a plastic surgeon, Maxwell Maltz.

I really hope you decide to try going to an art museum by yourself once in your life. Give yourself a chance to surround yourself with beautiful things while reflecting, meditating, recharging, and gaining inspiration!