Being at home, past quarantine, may be the best time to do a cultural immersion without, practically, leaving the sofa. Reading books to gain new information and immerse yourself in new worlds can be beautiful and beneficial. However, learning about new art and appreciating what art has to offer is equally as valuable.
You can find yourself virtually travelling through the most iconic art galleries in the world and discover all the cultural richness that house its walls. Take a look at how and where you can delve into the best that the art world has to offer, without having to even leave your sofa.
Yes, you have asked yourself a lot of times but you cannot reach a concrete answer or a conclusion about the importance of art in society. You know that art is fundamental to the culture of a society, and maybe you can discuss this issue with someone, but you need to have more precise arguments than you have, because as an artist the ideas you see are more sensitive and sentimental than precise.
The effect of art on people
Humans are by nature artists, therefore, the origin of art begins with the origin of humanity. From cave painting to the last contemporary piece created, art has served as a medium, form, and source of expression.
It is more than spoken and studied that messages have an impact, either positively or negatively. What is expressed produces an effect in the receiver, so under this concept, the importance of art is clear due to its quality of channel and transmitter. However, beyond being a transmitter of messages or a channel of expression, art, as a creative activity, has a liberating, healing, and personal development effect. Being clear about the contribution and benefits that your art provides to society will help you sell and create a brand that differentiates you from the rest, and not only that, but it will also help in one way or another to improve people's lives. Let's delve into the virtual galleries available during lockdown.
1. The National Gallery
With over 2,400 pieces online, the National Gallery in London tops this list. Situated in the heart of Trafalgar Square, it features iconic paintings by the most celebrated European artists. Now you can browse their website to find out a little more about this iconic London art gallery. Thanks to Google Street View you have the opportunity to take a virtual tour of several of its rooms full of paintings. And not only that, if you have an Oculus VR, you can take a virtual reality walk through the Sainsbury Wing.
2. The Louvre museum
If you have not been lucky enough to visit the most iconic museum in Paris, this is the best opportunity to make a first contact. The Louvre has a vast thematic collection of works online. And not only that. The French museum's website offers virtual tours of up to three major exhibitions. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the remains of the Louvre moat, consult the collection of Egyptian antiquitiesand visit the d'Apollon gallery virtually.
3. The British Museum
Without a doubt, you can take a tour of the most complete museum in London. The British Museum has a wide and varied website, full of galleries , collections and educational material to learn about the extensive history behind its walls. You can find its large collection made up of more than 4,000,000 ancient objects while browsing each of the rooms of the British Museum.
4. The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art
How could it be otherwise, the largest art museum in the United States could not be missing from this list. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York -MET for its acronym in English- is one of the most visited in the world and, during the covid-19 quarantine, it could not afford to miss visits. During the lockdown you will have all the time in the world to lose yourself in the global art universe under the motto 'Experience the Met, anywhere' . Sections and workshops specifically for children and audio guides will keep you entertained for hours. In addition to the extensive sample of the MET's work, you can enjoy a 360ยบ video of the incredible architecture of the New York museum.
5. The Vatican
The doors of the Vatican are closed due to the Covid-19 epidemic but you can still admire all the art inside it online. A large number of online visits provide an incredible opportunity to discover the impressive collection of art and exquisite architecture that houses the Vatican. Thanks to the digital age, you can take a walk through the Chiaramonti Museum or Raphael's Rooms without leaving home.