With the outbreak of the coronavirus causing a number of museums, art galleries and public places to shut their doors, it can be difficult to find entertainment. If you've exhausted Netflix or you simply want a change of scenery, then fear not because we now have the ability to take part in virtual tours - so we can enjoy all the tourist attractions without leaving the comfort of our own home! Sit back, grab a cup of tea and get scrolling, because we've rounded up some of the best virtual visits around the world…
The British Museum, London
There's no better place to start than with the British Museum. Situated right on many of our UK readers' doorsteps, this museum allows you to experience two million years of human history and culture using Google Street View, from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies. There is also an online collection featuring more than four million objects for anyone interested in learning more.
For more information visit artsandculture.google.com
Picasso Museum, Barcelona
© Photo: InstagramThe Picasso Museum is one of the go-to tourist attractions in Barcelona, and considering its extensive collection of artwork by the painter, we can see why! Luckily, the museum offers virtual tours of both its courtyard and the numerous houses Picasso lived and worked in across the city. So whether you're interested in architecture, curious about Picasso's upbringing or want to feel like you're wandering the Spanish streets, it's worth checking out the website.
For more information visit bcn.cat
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Acropolis Monuments, Greece
Even without recommendations to practice social distancing and limit travel, it is not every day you get to fly to Athens, Greece to see the Acropolis Monuments. Explore the archaeological site via an interactive tour online and learn about the most prominent monuments, including the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike.
For more information visit acropolisvirtualtour.gr
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Credit: Instagram/Van Gogh Museum
With the world's largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is an art-lovers dream. Even if you can't visit in person, the extensive collection of beautiful artwork will still blow you away on the virtual tour. See over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 750 letters without leaving the comfort of your own home.
For more information visit artsandculture.google.com
NASA, America
Who hasn't dreamed of visiting NASA? You don't have to be a scientist to get inside the gates of the Langley Research Centre in Virginia, the Glenn Research Center in Ohio and the Space Center in Houston. Simply go online to tour everything from flight simulations to supersonic wind tunnels, and let all your childhood dreams come true!
For more information visit nasa.gov
The National Gallery of Art, London
Credit: Instagram/National Gallery of Art
If you're in the mood for a bit of artwork, you'll be spoilt for choice with The National Gallery of Art's online offerings. Take a tour of 18 gallery rooms with over 300 paintings, including works by Titian, Veronese, and Holbein. Captivated by one particular piece? There's also the opportunity to learn more about each of the paintings on view.
For more information visit nationalgallery.org.uk
Guggenheim Museum, America
Never got round to seeing one of New York's most famous art museums? Fear not, Google’s Street View can transport you to the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase with the chance to view everything from the Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras. If that's not enough to keep you busy, the online collection also has 1,700 artworks by more than 625 artists, as well as works from Venice and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
For more information visit artsandculture.google.com
The Louvre, France
Although we can't actually jet off to France to see some of the famous landmarks, seeing The Louvre online is the next best thing. As one of the world’s largest art museums, it offers plenty of entertainment to keep you busy for months. Go online and learn about everything from Egyptian Antiquities to the remains of the Louvre's Moat, built by French king Philippe Auguste.
For more information visit louvre.fr
San Diego Zoo, America
Credit: Instagram/San Diego Zoo
Whether you're an adult or a child, a trip to the zoo is never boring. Lift your mood by looking at cute giraffes, penguins, koalas and elephants on one of the zoo's live cameras. Considering you get to skip the crowds, it's arguably a better view than being there in person!
For more information visit kids.sandiegozoo.org
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