It’s Spring Break for lots of kids, an ideal time to check out your local museum.
Well, that would have been the case if it wasn’t 2020, the year of COVID-19. Museums are closed and virtually everyone’s been advised to hunker down.
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Thanks to the magic of the internet, you can still experience some of the world’s most iconic museums through the magic of Google’s Arts & Culture site.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Virtual visitors to The Art Institute of Chicago can check out influential works like Georges Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte — a 19th century depiction of people gathering together, something we hope we’ll be able to do soon.
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
The Musée d’Orsay opened its doors in 1986 and is home to numerous works of fine art. Seen here is American artist James McNeill Whistler’s portrait of his mother. I remember this piece mainly for the fact that Mr. Bean destroyed it in a movie once.
MASP – Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand, São Paulo
This Brazilian art gallery, known as MASP , showcases many of its pieces in a unique and dynamic style. Rather than being hung on walls, the pieces are staggered throughout a large gallery.
Palace of Versailles
You can take a virtual stroll through the Palace of Versailles and its jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors. This is the kind of opulence that tells you you probably can’t afford to live there.
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest museum, dating all the way back to 1872. Inside, visitors can find Greco-Buddhist art as well as rare Asian art from the Silk Road that dates back centuries.
Guggenheim Museum, New York
Known for its iconic multi-level design, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York houses a treasure trove of 20th century art, ranging from Impressionist to Modern.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu , capital of the Incan empire, is more than just a museum: it’s a legit historical site. You can save yourself the backbreaking hike to high altitude and experience it from the comfort of your couch.
Boboli Gardens, Florence
Opened to the public in the late 18th century, Boboli Gardens is just one reason to visit Florence, Italy. Visitors can take in the grounds while interacting with historical statues that dot the property.
Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Staying in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is a worthy next stop on your virtual tour. This is one of Italy’s top museums, housing priceless artifacts from the Italian Renaissance.
Museo Dolores Olmedo, Mexico City
Named for a Mexican philanthropist who was friends with famed artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the Museo Dolores Olmedo is full of some of Mexico’s best-known works of art, along with a small zoo.
J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Usually just referred to as “the Getty”, the J. Paul Getty Museum in L.A.’s Brentwood neighborhood became the richest museum in the world back in 1982 when it inherited over a billion dollars from its namesake.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
There are three campuses of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, South Korea. Thanks to Google, virtual visitors can check out the flagship campus in Gwacheon.
