I too much prefer seeing art in person. Second best is in art or photography books, though as you've stated, it isn't at all the same type of experience.
Answering your question: I live on an island far from any major city though we do have an art gallery to view the art of residents-of-the-island. I don't go often because the art ranges so widely in ... technical merit. But when there is a photography show on display, I enjoy seeing it because the quality is of a better calibre. Decades ago when I lived in a city, I really enjoyed going to see the ever-changing art installations. I had no idea how very fortunate I was in those days. I miss that.
The in-person experience is one I value. An example I can recommend without reservation is an exhibit currently on display at the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA. of Dawoud Bey's photography project, "Night Coming Tenderly, Black". The wonderfully curated collection of large Black & White prints presented in a subdued and quiet setting is not to be missed. Unfortunately it is only on display through the end of this month. https://www.brandywine.org/museum/exhibitions/dawoud-bey-night-coming-tenderly-black
The Tokyo Photography Museum has a yearly membership for ¥3300 - you can visit regular exhibitions as often as you want and bring a friend for free. Best deal around.
My other favourite museum with works by Rothko, Rauschenberg and others closed down in Tokyo which was a shame.
The Rothko Chapel in Houston provides a transcendent, meditative experience for those open to it. I love the Peabody Essex here in Salem, MA - they always try to curate multi-sensory experiences. But my all-time favorite museum is The Courtauld Gallery in London. When I went, there were no barriers, alarms, ropes between the art and the patron. This suggested an implicit trust of patrons and their relationship with the artistic experience and allowed me to engage with the art in a way unheard of here in the States.
I too much prefer seeing art in person. Second best is in art or photography books, though as you've stated, it isn't at all the same type of experience.
Answering your question: I live on an island far from any major city though we do have an art gallery to view the art of residents-of-the-island. I don't go often because the art ranges so widely in ... technical merit. But when there is a photography show on display, I enjoy seeing it because the quality is of a better calibre. Decades ago when I lived in a city, I really enjoyed going to see the ever-changing art installations. I had no idea how very fortunate I was in those days. I miss that.
The in-person experience is one I value. An example I can recommend without reservation is an exhibit currently on display at the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA. of Dawoud Bey's photography project, "Night Coming Tenderly, Black". The wonderfully curated collection of large Black & White prints presented in a subdued and quiet setting is not to be missed. Unfortunately it is only on display through the end of this month. https://www.brandywine.org/museum/exhibitions/dawoud-bey-night-coming-tenderly-black
The Tokyo Photography Museum has a yearly membership for ¥3300 - you can visit regular exhibitions as often as you want and bring a friend for free. Best deal around.
My other favourite museum with works by Rothko, Rauschenberg and others closed down in Tokyo which was a shame.
The Rothko Chapel in Houston provides a transcendent, meditative experience for those open to it. I love the Peabody Essex here in Salem, MA - they always try to curate multi-sensory experiences. But my all-time favorite museum is The Courtauld Gallery in London. When I went, there were no barriers, alarms, ropes between the art and the patron. This suggested an implicit trust of patrons and their relationship with the artistic experience and allowed me to engage with the art in a way unheard of here in the States.