Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with 500 museums worldwide to offer immersive virtual tours. Now, you can explore these museums for free from the comfort of your couch, bed, or desk. This collaboration includes several renowned museums, making it an excellent opportunity to experience global art and history without leaving home. Additionally, some museums have their own virtual tours available. With travel plans on hold, this is a fantastic way to learn about the world while staying safe.

Simply click on the names of the museums below to start your virtual journey:

British Museum, London

Explore the British Museum’s virtual tour to see iconic artefacts such as Egyptian mummies and the famous Rosetta Stone. With hundreds of artefacts included, you’ll have plenty to discover and enjoy. Have a look here to experience this museum: How to explore the British Museum from home

Tate Modern, London

The Tate Modern, known for its impressive art collection, is on many people’s must-visit lists. While viewing the art online might not compare to seeing it in person, the virtual tour allows you to zoom in and appreciate the details from a unique perspective.

These virtual tours offer a great way to stay engaged and informed while at home. Find the tour here:360 Tour of Tate Modern

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Experience the Guggenheim Museum’s stunning spiral staircase through Google Street View. This virtual tour also showcases the museum’s extraordinary collection of contemporary art, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts.

National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

Explore two online exhibitions from the National Gallery of Art. One exhibition features the masterpieces of Johannes Vermeer, the renowned Dutch artist whose work is famous even to those with limited art knowledge. The other exhibition focuses on fashion from 1740 to 1895, combining historical and sartorial interests with depictions of colonial and revolutionary American attire.

The Louvre, Paris

As one of the most visited museums in Paris, the Louvre is celebrated for its breathtaking art and magnificent architecture. Once a royal palace, it houses world-famous artworks like the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. You can take a free virtual tour on the Louvre’s website, allowing you to explore its rich collection without the need for travel.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

A French friend from my Erasmus days recommended the Musée d’Orsay as her favourite museum in Paris. Though I never had the chance to visit in person, this virtual tour lets me finally explore it. Discover iconic artworks by renowned artists like Monet, and experience a piece of Paris I missed out on.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

With six floors of art from South Korea and around the world, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art offers an extensive collection. The best part? You can view all of this incredible art without leaving your home.

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

One of Germany’s largest museums, the Pergamon Museum is renowned for its collection of ancient artefacts. Although I was too “cultured out” to visit during my trip to Berlin in 2016, I’m excited to explore its treasures virtually now.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Enjoy a virtual tour of the Rijksmuseum and admire masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt. Using Google Street View, you can virtually stroll through the museum as if you were actually there, all from the comfort of your couch.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum boasts the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s work, including over 750 personal letters, 200 paintings, and 500 drawings. Dive into this extensive collection online and experience Van Gogh’s art like never before.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Explore the J. Paul Getty Museum’s collection of European art dating back to the 8th century through a street view tour. Discover numerous drawings, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and photos from the comfort of your home.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

During my 2016 visit to Florence, I skipped the Uffizi Gallery due to long lines and opted for some shopping instead. I still cherish the dress and shoes I bought there. Now, I’m looking forward to exploring the Uffizi Gallery online and seeing what I missed.

MASP, São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is Brazil’s first modern museum and operates as a non-profit organization. Its unique display method, featuring artworks suspended in clear Perspex, creates a striking floating effect. Experience this innovative museum for yourself by taking the virtual tour.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

With a close friend from Mexico City, I’m thrilled to see the National Museum of Anthropology included in Google’s virtual tour offerings. Established in 1964, this museum focuses on Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history and archaeology. You can explore 23 virtual exhibit rooms, including fascinating pieces from the Mayan civilization.

Casa Azul, Mexico City

Casa Azul, or The Blue House, was the home of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. I’ve always admired her artwork, and now, amid these challenging times, you can tour the house virtually. I’ve already explored parts of it online, and it’s truly captivating. Dive into this immersive experience and discover more about Frida Kahlo’s life and art from the comfort of your home.

The Vatican Museums, The Vatican City

I fell in love with Italy during my visit in 2016. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many places globally, it’s heartening to see that travel and virtual experiences continue to thrive. The Vatican Museums now offer a fantastic 360-degree virtual tour, letting you explore the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and more from the comfort of your home.

There are many more virtual tours available from museums around the world. A quick Google search will reveal even more options. I hope this post has been helpful, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Sending digital hugs!

Disclaimer: The COVID-19 pandemic has largely subsided, but virtual tours remain a great way to explore and appreciate cultural sites from home. Please check current travel advisories and museum websites for the latest information and updates.