Coronavirus isolation: Tour 8 famous museums from your couch [photos]

Joburg Admin / March 18, 2020

We're living in strange times; thanks to the spread of COVID-19 infections, thousands of people will be staying home with no idea of how to pass the time. Why not go on a virtual museum tour?

There’s only so much binge-watching you can do; and if gaming is not your thing, then perhaps a virtual tour of museums from London to Seoul would be right up your alley.

You are in luck, too. Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 2 500 museums and galleries around the world to bring the online exhibits of some of the most famous museums on the planet to your living room.

In addition, museums are also sharing their most zen art on social media to help people cope with staying home. If you’re going to be self-isolating, look no further than this list of eight museums.

The collection includes the British Museum in London, the Guggenheim in New York City, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, and many more.

Take a virtual museum tour from your couch

Tour the British Museum, London

The British Museum is situated in the heart of London. Thanks to the wonders of technology, you’ll be able to visit the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone from the comfort of your couch.

Tour the Pergamon Museum, Berlin

The Pergamon is one of Berlin’s largest museums, with a smörgåsbord of ancient artefacts on view, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the world-famous Pergamon Altar.

‘Altar van Zeus’ in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin. Image via Wikimedia Commons

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

The National Gallery of Art has two online exhibitions on offer: American fashion from 1740 to 1895, and a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter, Johannes Vermeer.

The Hermit, by Gerrit Dou, cited as an influence for Johannes Vermeer. Image via National Gallery of Art.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Take a virtual walk through the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and marvel at the dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

For something different, head over to the Guggenheim Museum in New York, where a Google Street View feature lets you tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase.

The best part? You don’t even have to leave your home. Explore the incredible works of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary from the comfort of your couch. Or bed, we won’t judge.

Image via Google Art & Culture Tour/Guggenheim Museum, New York

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt.

With this exhibition, you also get to wander through a Google Street View tour of the iconic museum. Try it out, it makes you feel as though you’re actually wandering the halls.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.

The museum announced on its website that the establishment will be closed until further notice as a precaution against COVID-19. However, enjoy all the exhibitions from home by going to the museum’s YouTube channel:

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Lastly, the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is devoted to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilisations. It was inaugurated in 1964 and designed by Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website. There are also thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well.

In addition, Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historical and cultural heritage sites. Enjoy!

Source: The South African Read More

You might be interested in

Explore All
‘Please grow up’ – SA’s coronavirus hotline flooded by prank calls
From Other News Sources

‘Please grow up’ – SA’s coronavirus hotline flooded by prank calls

18 Mar 2020

Is there really nothing better to do? Ministers, MPs and the NICD have blasted the prank callers who are 'overloading' our coronavirus helpline. The authorities have been left dumbstruck by a high volume of prank calls made to South Africa’s coronavirus h

Read more
Bassline Fest Is Back With A Incredible Line-Up
Culture and Entertainment

Bassline Fest Is Back With A Incredible Line-Up

18 Nov 2021

Bassline Fest is back! And its bringing in faves and newcomers across borders with acts from SA, Botswana, Lesotho and Zambia.

Read more
Amazing Hiking Trails In Gauteng
Parks and Outdoor

Amazing Hiking Trails In Gauteng

16 May 2024

Time to get a little fresh air! With Winter on the horizon, it's time to get ready to go on plenty of outdoor adventures, including doing some scenic hiking trails through the province. If you have a deep love for the nature and walking for miles, why not

Read more
Michael W. Smith SA Tour
Events In Joburg

Michael W. Smith SA Tour

27 May 2019

Grammy award-winning Christian artist Michael W. Smith is coming to Joburg this June. Catch him live for one night only! Get your tickets ASAP.

Read more
Moody’s downgrade could be a ‘non-event’ amid coronavirus chaos
From Other News Sources

Moody’s downgrade could be a ‘non-event’ amid coronavirus chaos

24 Mar 2020

The once-feared downgrade of SA’s investment-grade credit rating by Moody’s may be a damp squib – if it happens at all. Since 2018 until after Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s 2020 Budget Speech on 26 February 2020, financial analysts and media pundits hav

Read more
Golf Getaways: Best Golf Courses Near Johannesburg
Sports and Fitness

Golf Getaways: Best Golf Courses Near Johannesburg

22 Aug 2023

For those of you who have had the pleasure of stepping onto an evergreen, well-manicured golf course, you’ll know that there’s nothing more relaxing than playing a round of this sport. Our city is blessed with many picturesque golf courses and while it’s

Read more