Virtual Museum Tours: Where to Get your Lockdown Art Fix
If there’s one thing I’ve been turning to during lockdown, it’s the arts. Books, film, poetry, music - in whatever form, it’s the one constant that’s been helping me to get through this increasingly weird episode of Black Mirror that we’ve all been living through over the past few weeks.
But it’s been a little harder to access art from the safety of our own homes. That is, until museums and art galleries across the globe opened their (virtual) doors. From indulging in the rich works of classical Dutch art at the Rijksmuseum, to a lesson in Egyptian antiquities over at the Louvre, here’s where to go to get your art fix for free over lockdown.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
For the latest offerings in contemporary art, head over to the Guggenheim. Through their virtual tours, you’ll be able to wander the halls from the comfort of your couch and view a few of their collections in a series of online exhibitions.
The National Gallery, London
Lose yourself in the National Gallery’s world-class collection with a 360 degree panoramic virtual tour. Enjoy over 300 paintings in a tour of the Gallery’s 18 rooms (which are fully integrated with collection information), or for a truly immersive experience explore the Sainsbury Wing with a VR headset.
MoMA, New York
For the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso and Cézanne, New York’s Museum of Modern Art is the place to be, showcasing its illustrious collection via a virtual tour. What’s more, the MoMA is also offering free online art classes in the wake of the pandemic. Art enthusiasts can learn firsthand from artists across five course areas, including contemporary art, fashion and photography.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Why not get up close and personal with ‘The Night Watch’ this evening with a virtual trip to Rijksmuseum? Wander through its famous halls with a street-view style tour or delve deeper into the world of classical Dutch art with online exhibitions featuring the likes of Rembrandt, Vermeer and more.
Natural History Museum, London
Fancy an afternoon in the company of a diplodocus? The Natural History Museum’s online interactive collection is a great offering; particularly if you’ve recently found yourself homeschooling and need some ideas for your next lesson. You can also peruse their collection of galleries at your leisure, including a tour of ten new exhibits tackling natural history themes.
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Take in the sights of the very best in Impressionist and post-Impressionist work with a virtual tour of the Musée d’Orsay. Their online repertoire includes a close-up look of Van Gogh, Manet and Renoir. Or learn more about the history of the former railway station museum itself, also known as the very first ‘work of art’ at the museum.
The Louvre, Paris
Transport yourself to Paris (and a whole other era) with an online tour of Paris’ iconic Louvre Museum. Explore Egyptian antiquities; the geniuses of the Renaissance; the connection between art and political power, and much more, all through a series of online virtual tours and exhibits.
The Vatican Museum, Vatican City
The Vatican Museum’s virtual tours will allow you to explore the museum’s culturally rich ceilings, tapestries and more across seven virtual tours, including the Sistine Chapel. You can also get up close and personal with some of their most famous masterpieces. Best of all? No queues!
The British Museum, London
Travel through time and continents with this seriously fun, interactive online exploration from the British Museum. Then, why not delve deeper with a virtual tour and explore some of the ancient wonders of the world currently on display at the British Museum (including one of its most famous objects, the Rosetta Stone).
The Paul J Getty Museum, California
Immerse yourself in the museum’s eclectic collection, which includes European paintings, sculptures and photography from around the world. While you’re here, why not take a wander around the Garden Terrace and Sculpture Plaza? It’s not quite the same experience (obviously), but the architecture and LA backdrop make for some pretty viewing.