Although I love to travel and wander around art museums and galleries, sometimes that’s just not possible. Even if I find myself in a place with a great museum, sometimes time is limited or the doors are closed on the day we are there. But hooray! Many art museums offer a convenient and immersive way to explore art from the comfort of your own home: a virtual museum tour. You can wander through the halls of some of the most prestigious art museums, admiring masterpieces from different eras and cultures. While scrolling through won’t be the same experience as strolling through, it’s still a great way to enjoy amazing art. Here are five popular virtual museum tours available in the US.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
One of the world’s largest and most renowned art museums, The Met offers a comprehensive virtual tour experience. Explore the museum’s vast collection, which spans over 5,000 years of art from around the globe. The Met also created 6 videos that offer an interactive 360 degree tour. As you play each area’s video, you can move the camera around to see the space from all angles. An interesting piece to view is entitled Bermuda Bound by Gladys Kleinman. Another great piece with an fascinating story of women artists is by Adelaide Labille-Guiard.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Take a virtual stroll through the halls of The Art Institute of Chicago, home to a vast collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American art. The tour features high-resolution images and detailed descriptions so you can take your time to appreciate the artistry up close. Check out Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando (Francisca and Angelina Wartenberg) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir or a piece from Edvard Munch entitled The Girl by the Window.
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
Perched atop a hill in Los Angeles, The Getty Center is not only known for its stunning architecture but also for its extensive art collection. Explore European paintings, decorative arts, and photography from the comfort of your home with the museum’s virtual tour. Check out this impressionist painting The Wounded Foot by Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida and this historic piece by Henri Rousseau, entitled A Centennial of Independence.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston MA
Okay, I may be biased because I have great memories of this museum while I lived in Boston but this is a must see, either in person or virtually. This elegant Venetian-style palace and courtyard is nestled in the heart of Boston, curated by Isabella Stewart Gardner herself. Three floors of intimate gallery spaces feature vibrant tapestries, classical sculptures, and breathtaking paintings by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Titian, and Vermeer. A couple of pieces that call out for some extra time to appreciate include Madame Gautreau Drinking a Toast by John Singer Sargent and Birth of a Dragon by Ruth von Scholley.
Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh PA
In the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, the Andy Warhol Museum is a testament to the iconic pop artist’s legacy. Established in 1994, this sleek urban venue pays homage to Warhol, the city’s most illustrious native son, who carved his path to worldwide fame through his groundbreaking art. With seven floors arranged chronologically, visitors are taken on an immersive journey through Warhol’s evolution as an artist, spanning from the 1940s to his passing in 1987. Each floor showcases seminal works alongside insights into Warhol’s creative process, offering a deeper understanding of his revolutionary artistic vision.
This list is just the beginning of the virtual experiences you can find. Even if you have been to a museum in the past, or are planning a future visit, these online tours can offer endless opportunities for discovery and inspiration. So, take some time to let the wonders of art transport you.
Have you done a virtual art tour before? What was most appealing about an online experience? Leave a comment below!
