In these times of travel restrictions and social distancing, virtual museum tours offer a fantastic way to explore art from the comfort of your home. Many world-renowned museums have opened their doors online, allowing art enthusiasts to enjoy masterpieces without waiting in long lines or traveling across the globe. Here are five virtual museum tours that you shouldn’t miss.
The Louvre, Paris: A Virtual Journey Through Time
The Louvre is not only the largest museum in the world, but it’s also one of the pioneers in offering online access to its collection. Their virtual tours have become even more engaging, with new features such as images, podcasts, videos, and even cartoons. These additions provide an enriched viewing experience that makes it one of the top virtual museum tours. You’ll find no lines, just the ability to explore one of the most celebrated art collections from your own home.
The British Museum, London: A Rich Cultural Experience
The British Museum’s online collection is vast, offering a detailed and immersive experience. Through their virtual tour, you can navigate through thousands of years of art history, complete with comprehensive information about the pieces, the artists, and their significance. It’s a perfect way to enjoy everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern European art, all neatly organized and available at your fingertips.
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin: A Historical Exploration
The Staatliche Museen in Berlin offers a virtual tour through a thematic interface known as Museum Plus. This tour showcases 19th-century German and French paintings, including remarkable works from the German Romantic period. One standout feature is The Monk by the Sea by Caspar David Friedrich, which transports visitors into the breathtaking landscapes of the era.
The Belvedere Museum, Vienna: Klimt and Beyond
Home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt’s works, including the iconic The Kiss, the Belvedere Museum is a must-visit online destination. The museum’s virtual tour allows you to explore its stunning collection of paintings by Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oscar Kokoschka. The Belvedere, once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, also offers a glimpse into the history and grandeur of its architectural setting.
Museo del Prado, Madrid: A Masterpiece Collection
The Museo del Prado in Madrid boasts the largest collection of Iberian painters, and their virtual tour offers an up-close look at works by Velázquez, Goya, and many others. The museum’s site is organized in a way that allows easy navigation through its collection, and educational videos add context and depth to the viewing experience. This tour is perfect for anyone interested in the Spanish art tradition.
Pioneers of Virtual Museum Tours
Some museums were ahead of the curve when it came to offering virtual access to their collections. These institutions not only embraced the digital world early on but also provided exceptional user experiences for art lovers everywhere.
The National Gallery, London: A Street View Experience
Thanks to a collaboration with Google Street View, the National Gallery offers a fully immersive 360° tour of its collection. This virtual experience allows you to navigate the museum as if you were actually there, offering detailed information about the works and the artists. It’s an excellent way to explore the gallery from a new perspective.
The Frick Collection, New York: Old Masters in a Gilded Mansion
The Frick Collection, housed in Henry Clay Frick’s former mansion, offers a virtual tour of its collection of Old Masters, European sculptures, and decorative arts. The online tour allows you to explore the entire mansion, including its grounds and historical surroundings, making it a unique way to enjoy art and architecture together.
MoMA & The MET, New York: A Two-for-One Virtual Art Tour
For those who want to explore New York’s artistic offerings without stepping foot outside, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) offer excellent virtual tours. MoMA’s collection focuses on contemporary art, while the MET offers a broader view of art history through its chronological tours. Both museums provide detailed information on the works and artists, offering a comprehensive art experience from different eras.
The Courtauld Gallery, London: Zoom In for a Closer Look
The Courtauld Gallery’s virtual tour is a highlight for those who enjoy examining art in great detail. With innovative technology, you can zoom in on each painting to see individual brushstrokes, offering a level of intimacy rarely available in physical spaces. The platform also provides rich contextual information about each work, making it an incredibly engaging virtual experience.
Faces of Frida on Google Arts & Culture: A Tribute to Kahlo
Google Arts & Culture has made Frida Kahlo’s iconic works even more accessible with its Faces of Frida virtual exhibit. This immersive experience allows you to explore her life and works in chronological order, including her personal poetry and over 800 of her paintings. It’s a wonderful resource for fans of the Mexican artist and anyone interested in her fascinating life and legacy.
Virtual museum tours offer an incredible opportunity to explore the world’s greatest art collections, bringing cultural treasures to your fingertips. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a way to explore new galleries from home, these top virtual tours provide a wealth of knowledge and beauty.
