These 11 virtual tours provide access to world-class museums and cultural sites
There are still plenty of opportunities to check out top-notch museums and cultural sites around the state and the globe, even as the novel coronavirus continues to limit travel or access.
With the help of Google Arts & Culture, created by Google Cultural Institute, you can visit the Australian National Surfing Museum, get an up-close look at Monet’s The Water Lily Pond masterpiece or learn about the legendary cattle keepers of Sudan.
From museums and artifacts to artists and cultures, the site lets you take a trip around the world, without ever leaving your chair.
Interested in Mexican fashion photography? Want to take a grand tour of Italy? How about soaking in the view from the top of Machu Picchu? Google Arts & Culture provides photos, videos, facts, articles, expert insights and even 360 degree virtual tours.
From obscure topics like how zebras got their stripes to thought-provoking insights into the wisdom of the Khasi women, you can get lost anywhere around the globe.
Here are 11 spectacular stops to armchair travel:
(1) 6 iconic stone monuments
An up-close look at the architecture and ornate details of monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Hamp. Find it at tinyurl.com/sazt5s8.
(2) 11 incredible views from the top
From the Tokyo Tower to Christ the Redeemer in Rio, soak in a view from the top, no fear of heights needed. Find it at tinyurl.com/vju2bmb.
(3) Frida Kahlo’s diary
An intimate look at the writings and drawings Frida Kahlo documented in her diary, which was even color-coded to correspond with specific emotions. Find it at tinyurl.com/yygtteh6.
(4) Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
“Walk” through Mumbai’s oldest museum on a virtual tour as if it were closed just for you. Find it at tinyurl.com/yyyjrpkj.
(5) Biltmore
A series of Biltmore Virtual Tour Playlists have been added to the Biltmore YouTube Channel. The videos feature the property’s historic gardens and it’s various exhibits. Find it at youtube.com/user/BiltmoreInsider/playlists.
(6) Harry Potter A History of Magic
Take a look inside the British Library’s extensive Harry Potter exhibit, complete with a video on four lessons in muggle magic. Find it at tinyurl.com/y5gu5brr.
(7) Melbourne Cricket Ground
Take a tour of Australia’s largest stadium and home to its national sport. Find it at tinyurl.com/yyyouz6x.
(8) Rijksmuseum
Wander through 80 galleries in this Dutch treasure trove of art and history, where Rembrandt once lived and worked. Find it at artsandculture.google.com/partner/rijksmuseum.
(9) Space Exploration
A 360-degree view of the inside of a space station is just the start of all things “humans in space” that you can find in this section. Look up in the sky, or find it at artsandculture.google.com/project/space-exploration.
(10) The We Love You Project
This inspiring photo series had a mission to photograph 1,000 black men and show that they are part of a larger community that loves and supports them. Find it at tinyurl.com/y3mjfbvb.
(11) Versailles: The Palace is Yours
One of the site’s most extensive sections, it even includes a private virtual tour. Find it at artsandculture.google.com/project/versailles.
This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 5:30 AM.
