Online Journey: Continued

Self-isolation measures still observed around the world have given us a new reality. More and more people are doing everything they can to make these necessary restrictions not a confinement, but an interesting new chapter in life. Only yesterday we told you about several Russian museums, and now a project has launched where people around the world can not only visit the growing number of virtual museums, but also watch renowned theatre productions, creative meet-ups, concerts and lectures. It is now much easier to find them using the hashtag #безантракта. And if you are interested in exploring World Heritage sites online, read about them with us.

Like the Russian museums, Europe’s most famous museums are closed to visitors. However, you can find yourself at the walls of the legendary Louvre in just one click: www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

Several exhibitions and virtual walks through the grounds will help you get to know this French landmark better. You can explore the remains of the Louvre moat, for example.

The Louvre was originally a fortress built by the French king Philip Augustus. It was intended to reinforce the defences commissioned by the king in 1190 to protect Paris from an attack via the Seine. Today, visitors can walk along the original perimeter of the moat and examine the supports that held the drawbridge using virtual reality headsets. Or visit the recently restored Galerie d’Apollon, located above the Petite Galerie. After a devastating fire in 1661, it was rebuilt. Its ceiling decoration pays tribute to the Sun King, Louis XIV. The central panel, « Apollo Slaying the Python », painted by Delacroix in 1851, gives the entire gallery its name.

Among the exhibitions, you can see Egyptian antiquities or works by Delacroix and Rembrandt.

In Spain, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers an extensive virtual programme. Different themes, exhibitions and clear instructions allow you to explore its unique collection of European painting. Rembrandt, Beckmann, Dalí, Monet and many other famous artists are featured, each with an individual tour. Take your time discovering their work at www.museothyssen.org/en/thyssenmultimedia/vv_immersives

Seven tours of the Vatican, including the famous Sistine Chapel, are available at m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html

The 360-degree view lets you examine every detail closely and notice things you might miss on an in-person tour. Stunning sculptures and interiors are easy to view even on a phone.  Almost the entire Vatican is before you.

Now let us move on to London’s National Gallery, which has preserved, expanded and displayed its art collections for two centuries. Wander through its empty halls among Renaissance masterpieces from Germany, Northern Italy and the Netherlands, or explore more than 300 paintings displayed across 18 gallery rooms. www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours works on all kinds of devices and computers.

Florence. The Uffizi Gallery. Here, the focus is on individual paintings presented in excellent resolution. Each group of works comes with a detailed history, which you can read using even your browser’s translation tool: www.uffizi.it/mostre-virtuali

In deserted Milan, the Pinacoteca di Brera continues its work online. It did not close its doors to visitors even during the Second World War. During these difficult days, both the museum and library are open for virtual visits. You can browse the exhibitions on offer or use a filter to select a particular work. pinacotecabrera.org/en/collezioni/filter-collection/ Italian art in all its diversity.

Greece, whose modern life we recently wrote about, has also changed dramatically since the pandemic. Its renowned archaeological museum has a YouTube channel with many videos about the museum’s exhibitions and individual objects. Unfortunately, they will be of interest only to those who know Greek, but the museum’s website itself has plenty of fascinating information that is easy to read using translation tools: www.namuseum.gr/en/collections/

In Britain, which has closed all its museums, you can explore the British Museum’s collection. It continues to operate through its online channels. Two virtual galleries and this year’s new collection are available. The website may occasionally freeze; simply refresh the page: britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries

If you are interested in other world landmarks, ask about them in the comments. Stay at home and discover masterpieces from around the world. Let us hope that soon you will be able to see them in person, and by then you will have a better idea of which European museums you would like to visit.