10 European Museums You Can Visit From Home

By Daniella Saunders

3 years ago

From Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum to Paris' Le musée du Louvre


Longing to visit the Louvre? No problem. Desperate for a glimpse of the Van Gogh’s Sunflowers? Easily done. From the Rijksmuseum to Tate Britain, holiday rental specialist Holidu has noted ten prominent museums and art galleries in Europe offering virtual online tours. So sit back, relax and explore.

Inside The Homes Of The World’s Most Famous Artists

1. Le musée du Louvre, Paris

Louvre Paris

Courtesy of Holidu

The largest art museum in the world, Paris’ breath-taking Le musée du Louvre – which features Leonardo da Vinci’s world-renowned Mona Lisa – is a must visit. For now though, we’ll settle with exploring the museum’s exhibition rooms and galleries via the site’s online tours. louvre.fr/en

2. State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

Hermitage St Petersburg

Courtesy of Holidu

Whilst we would visit this cultural landmark purely for a photo of its seafoam green and gold exterior, St. Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum is filled with countless works of inspiring art – more than three million in fact – including The Madonna Litta and Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son. View the works virtually via their impressive online platform. hermitagemuseum.org

3. British Museum, London

British Museum London

Courtesy of Holidu

Boasting around an impressive eight million works, The British Museum is one of the most prominent in the world, devoted to art, religion, history and more. Take to the museum’s intelligent online platform for a glimpse of human history through the ages. britishmuseum.withgoogle.com

4. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Courtesy of Holidu

Head (hypothetically) to Amsterdam for a visit to the Rijksmuseum, or ‘Amsterdam State Museum’, as it’s translated. It’s the Netherlands capital’s most distinguished museum, showcasing the country’s plethora of fine arts, crafts and rich history. Download the Rijksmuseum app for virtual access to tours, museum routes and more. rijksmuseum.nl

5. Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Musée d'Orsay

Courtesy of Holidu

Another Parisian cultural gem, the Musée d’Orsay is home to the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works. Explore the museum’s vast online collection of art, from Van Gogh’s The portrait of Eugène Boch to Henri-Edmond Cross’ The Evening Air. artsandculture.google.com

6. Musei Vaticani, Vatican City

Musei Vaticani

Courtesy of Holidu

Located within The Vatican City, the capital’s cultural, architectural and religious (home to the Pope) city-state lies the Musei Vaticani, The Vatican Museums. It is here you’ll find centuries worth of exceptional public art and sculpture collated by the Roman Catholic Church. Explore the museums via museivaticani.va

7. Musée d’art moderne de la Ville de Paris, Paris

Musée d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris

Fred Romero via Flickr

For those who enjoy modern art, the Musée d’art moderne de la Ville de Paris (also known as MAM Paris) is your go-to. Discover an abundance of contemporary treasures via the museum’s online archives from British artist Thomas Houseago’s first retrospective in France to the prominent works of Henri Matisse. mam.paris.fr

8. Tate Britain, London

Tate Britain

Andy Hay via Flickr

Part of England’s renowned collection of Tate galleries, Tate Britain houses the best of British art. Virtually explore the museum’s rooms via the online portal and delight in a chronological display of British artists and works, dating back to 1545. tate.org.uk

9. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam

Courtesy of Holidu

A museum entirely dedicated to one of the most famous Dutch painters of all time, the Van Gogh Museum is home to some of the artist’s most renowned and beloved works, including Sunflowers, The Bedroom and (our personal favourite) The Yellow House. Take to the museum’s website to access resources revolving the life and works of Van Gogh or enjoy a virtual tour of the galleries via 360stories.com

10. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid

Museum Reina Sofia Madrid

Shadowgate via Flickr

Last but not least, Madrid’s Museo Reina Sofia is devoted to 20th century works of modern art, ‘a crossroads of spaces, objects and times’. Online you’ll find an array of explorative virtual features, including videos and exhibition audio tours. museoreinasofia.es

Best Art Films & Documentaries to Watch Now / A Look Inside Kevin Francis Gray’s Art Studio