Wooden Movie Director Playset

I want to say it was a worthy investment, but I can't see a thing through this. Consider this my last ever purchase from Hudson's Bay Company - a wooden movie director playset. 

OK, it's actually kind of great.

Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France

The Louvre Pyramid is a modern architectural masterpiece that stands at the center of the Cour Napoléon courtyard of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei, the glass and metal pyramid was inaugurated in 1989 and serves as the main entrance to the world-renowned museum.

Composed of 673 glass panes, the pyramid rises to a height of 21.6 meters (about 71 feet) and forms a striking contrast to the classical architecture of the historic Louvre Palace. The structure is both functional and symbolic, representing the merging of old and new. Beneath the pyramid lies a large subterranean lobby that connects the museum’s three main wings—Denon, Sully, and Richelieu—streamlining visitor access and circulation.

When it was first proposed, the design was controversial. 

Many critics felt that the modernist style clashed with the Renaissance and Baroque elements of the surrounding buildings. However, over time, the Louvre Pyramid has become an iconic symbol of Paris, admired for its bold vision and elegant simplicity.

The pyramid also has deeper symbolic meaning. Its geometric form references ancient Egyptian pyramids, a nod to the Louvre’s extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities. The transparency of the glass panels allows natural light to filter into the underground lobby, creating a bright and welcoming space that enhances the visitor experience.

Today, the Louvre Pyramid is not just a gateway to the world's most visited art museum, but also a cultural icon in its own right. It has been featured in numerous films, books, and artworks, and is a popular spot for tourists to photograph. The pyramid exemplifies how contemporary design can enhance historic spaces, blending innovation with tradition in one of the most celebrated cultural sites in the world.

Space Center Houston at NASA's Johnson Space Center

Space Center Houston is a premier science and space exploration center located in Houston, Texas. It serves as the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Since its opening in 1992, it has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, offering an up-close look at NASA’s space missions and technological advancements.

The center features more than 400 space artifacts, including spacecraft, moon rocks, space suits, and interactive exhibits. One of the most iconic attractions is Independence Plaza, where visitors can explore a full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle Independence mounted atop the original shuttle carrier aircraft. This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to step inside both vehicles and learn about the shuttle era of spaceflight.

Another highlight is the NASA Tram Tour, which takes guests to Johnson Space Center. The tour includes stops at historic sites such as the Apollo Mission Control Center, astronaut training facilities, and rocket development labs. Visitors get a firsthand look at the real operations behind human spaceflight.

Space Center Houston also places a strong emphasis on education. It offers STEM-based programs, field trips, and summer camps for students, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. The center regularly hosts events featuring astronauts, scientists, and space experts who share their experiences and insights.

With its engaging exhibits and real-world connections to NASA’s missions, Space Center Houston provides a unique blend of education, history, and inspiration. It’s more than just a museum—it’s a living tribute to human curiosity, exploration, and the drive to reach beyond our planet. Whether you're a lifelong space enthusiast or a curious traveler, it's a must-visit destination.