Museums in NJ have been closed for some time due to coronavirus concerns. If you want to give the kids an overdue dose of art and culture, these virtual museums have you covered. You can see exhibitions from all over the world from the comfort and safety of your couch.
Google Arts & Culture has hundreds of museums to explore online, and some museums are streaming or uploading virtual tours independently. Some have all their artifacts and artworks cataloged for up-close viewing rather than tours of full exhibits. Here are a few of our favorites:
US Museums
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Santa Fe, New Mexico
This southwestern painter has stunning pieces for you to show the kids. Teach them about precisionism, modernism, watercolor and beyond.
Getty Images
New York City, New York
If photography is more interesting to you and the kids, see snapshots from Apartheid boycotts, the fall of the Berlin Wall and more.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City, New York
Fashion lovers have a lot to explore in the current online exhibits. See Coco Chanel modernist pieces, Christian Dior ball gowns, shoes by Roger Vivier and muslins by Charles James.
National Gallery of Art
Washington, DC
This one’s for little history buffs. See everything from Renaissance to Baroque to Modern works, and learn about old-school American fashion or Vermeer.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Los Angeles, California
Any budding car heads in your house? Get a livestream virtual tour of everything from antique cars to iconic motorcycles to celebrity hot rods for $3. Times vary, 1-2 tours a day.
Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery
Washington, DC
Teach the kids the story of America through artwork, performing arts and new media that cover the lives of those who’ve shaped the country. There are also impressive exhibits on First Ladies and Portraits of African Americans.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation
New York City, New York
Glassworks, contemporary displays, Latin American paintings and works from South and Southeast Asia await your crew.
International Museums
Acropolis Museum
Athens, Greece
Have the kids seen Disney’s Hercules? Give them a taste of the real thing by showing them famous sculptures and marble works from this archaeological site.
The British Museum
London, England
Explore the museum’s many objects and works from 2,000,000 BC and onward with this interactive timeline. See everything from Native American artifacts to Polynesian mourner’s costumes to Egyptian gravestones.
The Louvre
Paris, France
See three breathtaking exhibitions at this global icon. Teach the kids about ancient Egypt in Egyptian Antiquities, see what’s left of King Philippe Auguste’s 12th-century fortress at Remains of the Louvre’s Moat and see a breathtaking painted ceiling in the Galerie d’Apollon.
Musei Vaticani
Vatican City, Italy
Marvel at the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, the Pio Clementino Museum and more at this religious landmark.
Museo Frida Kahlo
Mexico City, Mexico
It’s hard not to love this iconic painter. See a virtual exhibit on Kahlo’s wardrobe called Appearances Can Be Deceiving. Check out this virtual exhibit, Faces of Frida, to learn about her life, work and legacy, too.
Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand
São Paolo, Brazil
This is the South American country’s first modern museum. See pre-1900 Brazilian art and a breathtaking exhibit of works from the 4th century BC and on in the picture gallery.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
Gwacheon-si, South Korea
Be blown away by a garden exhibit, the video art of Park Hyun-Ki and the abstract works of Yoo Youngkuk.
The Olympic Museum
Lausanne, Switzerland
Little jocks will be wowed by the many exhibitions of sports photography and athlete-specific galleries available for viewing.
Palace of Versailles
Versailles, France
This historic UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to famous oil paintings, The Hall of Mirrors and breathtaking gardens. See exhibits on coronations, French fashion, Louis XIV and more.
The State Hermitage Museum
St. Petersburg, Russia
Take to YouTube to see Apple’s one-take walk through this famous institución. See 45 galleries, 588 pieces and live performances, all shot on an iPhone 11.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional
Madrid, Spain
See an exhibit on Rembrant and Amsterdam portraiture, or Balenciaga and Spanish painting.
Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The kids have definitely heard of this world-famous creator. Learn about the books he read and his love life through his paintings.
Which virtual museums have you been visiting with the kids? Tell us in the comments.