Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Two Girls Reading, c. 1890-1891, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Frances and Armand Hammer Purchase Fund, photo © Museum Associates/

There are two reasons why I am not particularly fond of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Years ago, I signed up as a member. The museum cashed my membership check but then proceeded to pretend that I had never joined. Secondly, I am not enamored of most modern art; and I think the museum has extensive dubious holdings in that area.

When I did go to visit LACMA, I fell in love with a painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir entitled “Two Girls Reading.” I have always thought of it as one of the must successful paintings of the whole French Impressionism movement

Many a time, I would stand for upwards of a half hour admiring the painting. I have always loved Renoir and have fond memories of visiting a major Renoir exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston over forty years ago.

The other section of LACMA that I liked were the ancient Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese religious art.

Since the museum has gone on a major development kick with new buildings and prohibitive admission fees, I have not seen fit to go back and visit. I liked the old buildings better than the new ones and feel that the people in charge are empire building.