Travelling may be the last thing on our minds during this global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t explore! Dozens of museums and art galleries have made their content available online, resulting in the new era of ‘virtual tours’. Do you want to know how to travel during Covid-19? Here are the top 10 virtual museum and art gallery tours for you to visit from your own home!
National Museum of Natural History – U.S.A.
The National Museum of Natural History is one of the most famous museums in the world and by far the most popular of the Smithsonian’s. Located in Washington D.C., it’s exhibits are now available online. Navigate your way past dinosaur fossils and authentic Egyptian mummies. There’s sea life over a million years old, the infamous Hope Diamond, as well as garden lounges. It’s a must-see for anyone with an interest in the history of our world!
Click here for the virtual tour!
The British Museum – England
A partnership between the British Museum and Google Cultural Institute resulted in this magnificent project. It allows users to jump back in time and explore different events and inventions across five different continents. You can decide to examine anything from art to death to identity. It’s a highly interactive site well worth exploring.
Click here for the virtual tour!
Rijksmuseum – Netherlands
One of the most famous museums in the world, full of rich Dutch history and art. It features some of the most famous artists in history, including Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. Explore Night Watch, The Threatened Swan, and Woman Reading A Letter. It’s a beautiful museum and an even more beautiful tour!
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Musée d’Orsay – France
The highlight of French museums, it contains both artwork and furniture. Paintings, sketches, and watercolours are intermingled with tables, chairs, and rugs. You can examine Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Renoir and Van Gogh’s most famous self-portrait. You can walk down the halls as if you’re physically there, and explore the museum through a camera lens.
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The Met – U.S.A.
The Met 360° Project is comprised of six different videos, all showcasing different areas of one of the most famous art galleries in the world. You can explore the empty galleries one by one at your own leisure without any bustling crowds or loud children. It’s a fantastic experience that fully showcases the extent of 360° technology!
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The Lourve – France
Although fans of the Mona Lisa will be disappointed, this collection of virtual tours allows you to see just as beautiful art and statues. It covers everything from 5th century paintings to Egyptian Pharohs to the inspiration for Darth Vader. It’s a rare opportunity to see this wonderful showcase of exhibits.
Click here for the virtual tour!
Le Gallerie Degli Uffizi – Italy
Yet another Google collaboration, this is as close as you can get to actually visiting the Uffizi in person. Famous for The Birth of Venus as well as numerous other Botticelli and Michaelangelo works. It’s one of the most historical museums in Italy and this tour takes you through the best of what it has to offer!
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Van Gogh Museum – Netherlands
Unsurprisingly, this museum is dedicated to the life and death of Vincent Van Gogh. It contains his paintings, letters, and drawings. Most famously, this museum houses Sunflowers, as well as Wheatfield with Crows and Bedroom in Arles. It’s a wonderful collection of exhibits to explore.
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National Gallery of Art – U.S.A.
Similar to the previous Google Cultural Institute collaborations, this virtual tour has a twist. You can explore each floor of the National Gallery of Art one by one, as well as navigate to particular rooms. It has a highly interactive map as well as pop-up information boxes about each painting. It may not be the most famous gallery in this list, but it is definitely worth checking out!
Click here for the virtual tour!
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – Korea
Somewhat different to the others on this list, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is comprised of four different buildings. It’s one large collection that both preserves priceless historical artefacts as well as providing space for modern artists. There are contemporary Korean painters such as Kim Whan-ki but also western names like Andy Warhol. It combines to form an interesting set of exhibits.
Click here for the virtual tour!
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