By Sharon Washaya, to Museum Spotlight Europe (February 2020)
Are you keen to tour some of the leading museums in Europe, but can’t get there just now?
It’s a well-known fact that Europe is home to some of the world’s leading museums. In fact, among the top 10 largest museums in the world, there are four found in Europe – The Louvre (Paris, France), State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, Russia), Vatican Museums (Rome, Vatican City), and the Victoria and Albert Museum (London, United Kingdom).
For a variety of reasons it might not always be possible to visit these illustrious museums. That’s why museum directors are taking it upon themselves to avail the treasures in their care to the world through virtual tours. These tours allow people in remote parts of the world a chance to glimpse the rare artifacts and artworks housed in these institutions.
So, what are some of the top European museums that offer virtual tours?
1. The National Gallery, London
The National Gallery of London is the fifth most-visited art gallery in the whole world – and for good reason. As a free museum boasting an impressive collection of artwork from art movements since the 14th century, it isn’t difficult to see why the National Gallery attracts both novices and connoisseurs alike.
Through its virtual tour option, you can revel in panoramic views as you tour 18 of the gallery’s major rooms which contain over 300 paintings. What can you see in these rooms? Renaissance Italian painter Titian’s 1522 classic Adriane and Bacchus, renowned Dutch painter Rembrandt’s 1640 Self Portrait at the Age of 34, and Vincent Van Gogh’s 1888 Sunflowers, among other leading works.
2. Musée du Louvre, Paris
Where renowned museums are concerned, the Louvre needs no introduction. Previously a palace for French royalty, the museum is today home to a staggering collection of 35,000 works of art. Fun fact: if you took 30 seconds to look at every piece of art in the Louvre, it would take you 100 days to finish viewing all of them!
Currently the Louvre receives 9 million visitors every year and many more online through its virtual tours. Among some of its famous pieces are Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Théodore Gericault’s le Radeau de la Méduse and Greek sculptor Alexandros of Antioch’s La Vénus de Milo. Thanks to these virtual tours you’ll be able to really take in and fully appreciate the art on display in the Louvre.
3. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
What do you do when you find yourself in possession of a private collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s unsold art pieces? Such was the predicament of Van Gogh’s nephew. Eventually, he loaned them to the Stedelijk Museum until a museum worthy of the collection was finally built and opened on June 2, 1973.
The Van Gogh Museum, located in Museum Square, Amsterdam, receives at least 2 million visitors every year. It currently houses the largest collection of the Dutch post-impressionist painter’s works. Thanks to the virtual tours offered by the museum, you can peruse Van Gogh’s landscapes, portraits, and still life paintings in HD clarity.
4. Museu Picasso, Barcelona
Pablo Picasso is probably one of the 20th century’s most prolific artists. A story is told of how Picasso used to pay for services rendered by check because he knew that people would rather keep his signature than cash in the check. Such was the larger-than-life attitude and character of this artist. If you wish to learn more about Picasso one of the best places to visit in-person or virtually is the Museu Picasso.
With over 4,000 Picassos to browse through, it’s a good thing that the Museu Picasso offers virtual tours so that you can really discover and view Picasso’s paintings without being rushed. Unlike other museums which do not necessarily offer outside views, the Museu Picasso allows its virtual tourists to begin their tour in the Museum courtyards where visitors can learn more about Barcelona.
5. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg
The Hermitage is one of the world’s largest museums and is located in the heart of St. Petersburg. It is almost impossible to go through the museum in one take and see everything that’s on offer. Museums the likes of The Hermitage can only be fully appreciated when one takes the time to slow down and really look at the art work.
Officials actually say you would need to spend 11 years in the museum in order to examine each exhibit. It’s safe to say that for the average person this isn’t feasible! Fortunately, you don’t have to walk an 11-year trek. From the comfort of your home, you can wander down the halls at your own leisure and see what the museum has to display, thanks to the virtual tours portal available on the museum website.
Bonus: Galleria degli Uffizi, Italy
No list of European Museums would be complete without an Italian museum. And no other Italian museum (apart from the Vatican Museum) merits being on this list more than the Galleria degli Uffizi.
The Galleria degli Uffizi was once an administrative centre. As such, even its very architecture would be enough to draw tourists to visit. It is without a doubt one of Italy’s wealthiest and most celebrated galleries. Some of the most famous art works housed in this illustrious establishment are Gentile da Fabriano’s Adoration of the Magi and Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni.
You’ll be able to take in the stunning details of the art work in the Galleria degli Uffizi thanks to virtual tours that are available on the gallery’s website.
Connect. Appreciate. Share.
Galleries around Europe have discovered the importance of connecting art to people across the world. In this way, more people are able to appreciate the fine arts and subsequently share in the amazing experience of appreciating beautiful things. And in the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.”
Have you taken one of the virtual tours before? Did you like it? Let us know in the comments below!
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