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Wilderness exploration to get closer to majestic nature has become all too familiar. So why not switch it up with some unique and equally exciting man-made landmarks?
You might not have as many chances to immerse yourself in awe-inspiring natural landscapes, but the timeless experiences at these man-made landmarks will surely not disappoint.
1. Spiral Jetty, Great Salt Lake, Utah
In 1970, artist Robert Smithson embarked on a journey to the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake in Utah and began his arguably most famous project - Spiral Jetty. But three years later, when the work was completed, Smithson suddenly passed away. Since then, Spiral Jetty has become a testament to human artistic imprint on nature, while also becoming a renowned destination not only for tourists but also art enthusiasts.
2. Salvation Mountain, Niland, California
In the year 2000, the American Folk Art Society confirmed Salvation Mountain as a folk art masterpiece deserving preservation in the United States. Situated in the Colorado Desert of California, this colossal and vibrant installation is entirely handcrafted over many years, showcasing Leonard Knight's profound love for Jesus Christ.
3. Lightning Field, Catron County, New Mexico
Deep within the remote deserts of New Mexico lies a field adorned with 400 polished stainless steel poles designed to 'attract' lightning strikes. This daring concept belongs to American sculptor Walter De Maria, regarded as an icon of the Land Art movement.
4. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch is an art installation completed in 1974 as part of a collective project known as Ant Farm. The Cadillac cars are spray-painted and decorated with bold street art graffiti, serving as inspiration for Pixar artists who created the 'Cadillac Range' in the famous animated film Cars.
5. Marfa City, Texas
In the 1970s, artist Donald Judd, along with the Dia Art Foundation, acquired a large plot of land in Marfa, Texas, transforming this desert town into a sanctuary for minimal and contemporary art. Judd believed that traditional art museums were inherently limited and temporary, whereas site-specific installations in nature provided viewers with a more authentic and immersive experience.
6. Roden Crater, Flagstaff, Arizona
Roden Crater is a nearly 5km-wide volcanic crater with an age of approximately 400,000 years, purchased by artist James Turrell in 1979. Despite remaining unfinished, this volcanic crater is recognized as one of the most ambitious and grand projects of the Land Art movement.
7. Nazca Lines, Nazca Desert, Peru
Leading the Land Art movement for over 2,000 years are the Nazca Lines - artificial geoglyphs believed to have been created by the Nazca people of Peru between 1–700 AD. There are approximately 300 geometric figures, some stretching up to 50km and visible from space. The reasons behind why the Nazca people created these figures directly on the desert remain an enigma.
8. Sistine Chapel Ceiling, Vatican City
No need for much introduction, the Sistine Chapel is undeniably one of the most iconic artistic destinations in the world. It is a convergence of invaluable works such as the paintings of Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and of course, Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Last Judgment, adorning the chapel's ceiling.
9. Rothko Chapel Museum, Houston, Texas
When the Museum of Modern Art in America purchased Mark Rothko's 10th painting for display in 1952, some museum staff vehemently opposed, even resigning in protest. This incident arguably led to the creation of one of the world's most peculiar museums. In 1964, the Rothko Chapel was completed, providing a secluded exhibition space solely dedicated to showcasing the works of Mark Rothko.
10. Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence, Vence, France
Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence, also known as the Matisse Chapel, is a project undertaken by artist Henri Matisse at the age of 77. This chapel stands as Matisse's heartfelt endeavor and is regarded as a masterpiece of this talented artist.
11. Claude Monet's Garden, Giverny, France
On the train journey to Paris in 1800, the renowned painter Claude Monet seemed to be struck by a 'love at first sight' moment with the land of Giverny as he gazed mesmerized at the romantic scenery through the train window. Today, visitors are welcomed to explore this beautiful and romantic garden, where Monet created timeless masterpieces.
12. Louvre Museum, Paris, France
With over 400,000 artworks on display, it would take you more than three months to see everything. However, when visiting the Louvre Museum, to save time, you can seek out masterpieces such as the Venus de Milo statue and the iconic Mona Lisa painting.
13. Storm King Art Center, New Windsor, New York
The Storm King Art Center is located in the picturesque Hudson Valley, just about an hour's drive from New York City. This sculpture park is renowned for works by artists like Richard Serra, Maya Lin, Louise Bourgeois, and Roy Lichtenstein…
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourSeptember 30, 2015
