If you like those unexpected artsy finds, visiting someplace new, or just roaming about in your own backyard, then today’s blog post is for you. Nothing’s better than a quirky trail, and getting to know a place through the hidden visual charms. Here are some of our top picks for the unconventional culture vulture in you.
Marseilles’ workers
The world is full of sculptures and galleries, but there is only one Les Voyageurs by Bruno Catalano. This is the sculpture you take your art allergic friends to. Depicting workers with seemingly imperfect forms, it will render you silent on sight. Your friends will understand it immediately. The workers are all missing pieces, either because they are missing something in life, or have left a piece of themselves behind. This piece is one our absolute favorites, as it tells its own story.
London’s hidden (Sitar) rhythm
Artistic mediums aren’t just visual in nature. A walk down an iconic (back) street in London will have you acquainted with some of the world’s rarest instruments. If you’re into the hand-made, loved and trusted music making products, then this is the spot for you. Lose yourself to classical, culturally diverse music, and the stories that accompany them.
Pssst…Lokalii’s got an insider to walk you through one of London’s best kept secrets. Right next door to Sherlock Holmes, Kiran will unveil another kind of mystery- the story of the Sitar, with a cup of chai. If you’re lucky you might even meet Adele, who frequents this little urban enclave, checking out the harmoniums..
Amsterdam’s hidden churches
We know that church sight-seeing isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a history buff who likes to dabble a little in the ‘hidden world of churches’ then check out the Chapel of the Parrot in Amsterdam. In 1578, the Netherlands became protestant,and Catholics prayed in private places. This meant a lot of hidden churches in houses and nicknamed after animals and objects- pretty cool, right? This is just one example- the Papegaai, or the parrot to you and me. A narrow entrance leads you into a pretty beautiful chapel steeped in national history.
Timișoara’s magic tricks
Do you like street art? Maybe you know your Banksy from your D-Face, but you may not know the illusionary Reskate studio’s piece ‘asombrar’ (Spanish verb for shadow) in Romania. Are you intrigued? Check out this transformative artwork, changing with the light to play a little trick on you…
Valparaiso’s stair-art
You might be better acquainted with the ‘stair-art’ (if such a thing exists) of Brazil, but don’t miss the intricate illustrations on the steps of Valparaiso’s narrow stairwells. In fact, you can find Mario Celedon’s work splashed all over the city’s walls, giving Neruda’s home town a beautifully whimsical feel.
Sign safari in Stockholm
Neon signs are a new kind of storytelling. In a historical city like Stockholm. You could go it alone, but you’d miss half the plot. Book the experience via the app and Sanna will narrate that story through a new, glowing perspective. Forget the faux-kitsch trend- this one is about a history in lights…
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