We’re still living in a world where COVID-19 pandemic still exists. That means we’re still staying at our homes and to be honest, I’m feeling a little down lately or probably stressed for the past months already because of the pandemic. That’s why once in a while, I check some art works that are for sale online even if they’re just stickers or posters. Art is an essential part of our culture because it allows us to have a deeper understanding of our emotions; it increases our self-awareness, and also allows us to be open to new ideas and experiences.
Speaking of art, since the family has plenty of idle time at home, why not do something different today? Just recently, I learned that there are also fun ways to keep your kids entertained during vacation time and I don’t mean playing with their online games and such. Ever thought of bringing them to a museum? Physically, the museums are generally closed, but I’m talking about a virtual tour. Museums are now offering free virtual tours for customers online so they virtually visit their place and enjoy the arts and history that museums offer.
Here are some museums that offer virtual tours:
Van Gogh Museum. Best for kids or kids at heart who love artworks made by Van Gogh. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) in the world. The permanent collection includes over 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh, 500 drawings and more than 750 letters. The museum also presents exhibitions on various subjects from 19th-century art history.
The Louvre. The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum, is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement. Currently, the entire museum isn’t available for public viewing or tours, but most of the collection is available as images on their website, so you and the kids can search for the most memorable works, including the Mona Lisa. This is a good place to visit virtually when you’re into ancient Egypt or medieval architecture.
Mona Lisa Foundation. If you or your kid has a special liking to the timeless painting of Mona Lisa then the Mona Lisa Foundation offers a little more in-depth virtual tour / discussion about the earlier Mona Lisa.
The Kunsthaus Zürich. If you want to see a variety of artworks in one place, the Kunsthaus Zürich is a good choice. It houses an outstanding art collection that spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with an emphasis on Swiss art. The museum’s collection includes works by major artists including Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, and Henri Matisse.
These are just some of the many places that offer virtual tours. I know being on an actual physical tour is still different, but exposing your kids or even yourself to art could help uplift your mood today. Who knows? It may even tickle your imagination once you see a particular artwork. Happy touring and stay safe, guys!
