Arts and culture lovers are sure to go crazy over this curated list of some of the best virtual tours of world-renowned museums. So, whether you are in quarantine, in major social-distancing mode, or just sick of scrolling through Netflix, take a seat (on your couch) and explore some of the most famous exhibits around the world.
15 Virtual Tours of The Most Famous Museums
1. The Louvre, Paris
Not only is The Louvre one of the world’s largest art museums, but it’s also one of the most iconic historical monuments in Paris. As central landmark in the city, perhaps it is best known as the home of da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. You can now enjoy a free online tour of some of the Louvre’s most significant and popular exhibits, including works from Michelangelo and its Egyptian Antiquities. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the museum and click on rare artifacts to uncover more information on their histories.
2. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
Established in 1969 as the country’s first national museum, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is also known as Gwacheon Contemporary Art Museum. Boasting a substantial collection of around 7000 artworks, including works of contemporary Korean artists and internationally recognized artworks by Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol. You can access Korea’s most popular museum from anywhere in the world – Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of curated pieces.
3. British Museum, London
Located in the heart of London, the British Museum is both a public institution and icon. The museum’s works were collected mainly during the era of the British Empire and showcases a permanent collection of approximately eight million jobs – among the largest and most comprehensive collections in existence. Google’s online museum tour allows visitors a peek into the Great Court, the ancient Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, as well as hundreds of treasured artifacts.
4. MASP, São Paulo
Considered by many to be Brazil’s first modern museum, the Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) or the Museu de Arte de São Paulo is where you go in Brazil if you want to get your fill of Van Gogh, Picasso, or Bellini. Said to host one of the finest art collections in the Southern Hemisphere with over 8,000 works in total, the nonprofit museum displays both international art and the best of Brazil’s modern artworks, prints, and drawings. Experience the incredible collections with Google’s virtual tour.
5. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C.
Easily one of the most visited museums in the world, Washington, D.C.’s National Museum of Natural History offers virtual visitors a glimpse at its magnificent treasures through an online virtual tour of the entire grounds. Be welcomed into the most popular natural history museum in the world with an extensive room-by-room, a 360-degree walking tour of all the Smithsonian’s incredible exhibits, including the Hall of Mammals, Insect Zoo, and Dinosaurs and Hall of Paleobiology.
6. Pergamon Museum, Berlin
Situated on Berlin’s Museum Island, in the city’s historic center, the Pergamon Museum is one of Germany’s largest museums and part of the UNESCO World Heritage. This historical museum is abundant with ancient artifacts, and magnificent displays, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Pergamon Altar, or the altar of Zeus from Pergamon. The main attraction is considered a masterpiece of the Hellenistic Age and is where the museum gets its name from. Take an online museum tour of the Pergamon Museum here.
7. The Vatican Museums
Founded in the Vatican City in 1506 by the Catholic Church, the Vatican Museums feature multiple galleries of classical and Renaissance art masterpieces, and of course, the awe-inspiring frescoes. Curated over many centuries by the Popes, the Vatican Museums is a testament to the papacy and some of the world’s holiest artworks. Take a tour of the museum grounds and experience iconic exhibits, including Michelangelo’s famed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
8. Guggenheim Museum, New York
On the Upper East Side of bustling Manhattan, you can find one of the most famous museums in the world, the Guggenheim Museum, which is also part of a UNESCO world heritage site. Google’s Street View feature allows you to tour the museum’s notorious spiral staircase and explore world-renowned works of art across the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.
9. Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Situated in the center of Paris on the Left Bank of the Seine River, the Musée d’Orsay was designed in such a way as to encompass the architecture of the original building. Housing mainly French works of art dating from 1848 to 1914, you can take a virtual stroll through this popular gallery. From Monet to Gauguin, the Musée d’Orsay is filled with stunning art collections – view dozens of famous paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography now.
10. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Another museum in the nation’s capital, the National Gallery of Art, prides itself on preserving, collecting, fostering, and exhibiting an understanding of works of art. Google offers a glimpse at two featured exhibits at the famous American art museum. The first, Fashioning A Nation, an exhibit on the history of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, which showcases replicas of clothing from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second, Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting, displays a collection of works from the Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.
11. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
The Dutch art museum, dedicated to the illustrious artist, holds the largest collection of artworks by Vincent Van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters. The virtual tour is a must-see for all art history lovers and fans of the legendary Dutch artist. In addition, visitors have the chance to discover the more intimate details of Van Gogh, such as the books he read and his love life.
12. National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Built in 1964, the National Museum of Anthropology is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. True to its name, the museum is dedicated to the archaeology and rich history of the country’s pre-Hispanic heritage. This tour showcases 23 exhibit rooms displaying some of the 600,000 artworks and other objects relating to Mexico, and ancient artifacts, some of which date back to the Mayan civilization.
13. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam allows you to explore 800 years of history and world-famous masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including pieces from Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. Google’s Street View tour instantly immerses you in the hallways of the Rijksmuseum and almost makes you feel like you are actually wandering through them.
14. Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Originally designed in 1560 by Giorgio Vasari, the gallery was specifically made to house the art collection of one of the most famous families in Italy, the de’Medicis. Now the Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s finest and oldest art galleries. Today, the museum’s top floor is a dedicated exhibition for the dynastic collection of ancient sculptures, artwork, and artifacts. Google’s virtual tour allows you to explore these treasures in Florence right from your home.
15. The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Commonly referred to as the Getty, the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles boasts exhibits ranging from ancient to contemporary. Discover European artworks dating as far back as the 8th Century right through to the 21st showcased against an incredible backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views of Los Angeles. Take in the museum’s immense collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs, by taking a Street View Tour now.
So why not take a sneak peek at treasures, masterpieces, and ancient relics from every corner of the globe? You can experience some of the most famed arts and culture pieces known to man starting right this very second.
