The purpose of this post is to share with you a collection of handpicked resources to help you take your students on virtual field trips to museums all around the world. With a working Internet connection and a computer, you will be able to explore masterpieces of the Louvre, view the wonderful architecture of the Van Gogh museum, discover the galleries of the American Museum of Natural History, and many more.
Virtual Art Museum Tours for Students
For an extensive list of famous online museums check out this collection from Google Arts & Culture. For those of you not familiar with Google Arts & Culture, this is platform that allows you to explore and learn about artworks and museums from all around the world. You can take virtual reality tours into world class museums, experience culture in 360 degrees, and use Street View to visit popular sites and landmarks.
If you want to use Google Arts & Culture on your mobile device you will have the added feature of Art Recogniser which allows you to learn more about artworks by simply pointing your device camera at them. Fo science museums check out this post.
1- National Portrait Gallery
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery offers a unique view into the soul of American culture and history through its extensive portrayal of significant figures. From poets and presidents to actors and activists, the gallery uses visual arts, performing arts, and new media to weave a narrative of the American story, celebrating those individuals who have shaped the nation’s identity and legacy.
2- Smithsonian Museum
As the world’s largest museum and research complex, The Smithsonian Institution, the Smithsonian Institution is a sprawling network of 19 museums, galleries, and the National Zoological Park. It houses an immense array of artifacts that span the gamut of human history, science, and culture, making it a pivotal resource for global research and education.
3- The Field Museum
The Field Museum is a gateway to the natural world, holding over 25 million objects from a vast range of biospheres—from Antarctic dinosaurs to Tanzanian mammals. Its collections answer pivotal questions about our planet’s history, life, and cultures, serving as a critical repository in an age where digital and real experiences blend.
4- The British Museum
Located in the heart of London, The British Museum is a custodian of human history and culture, offering an expansive array of exhibitions that span global civilizations and epochs. The museum not only showcases artifacts but also provides insightful tours into varied museums worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding of global heritage.
5- Science Museum
Science Museum in London is dedicated to showcasing human innovation and ingenuity. This museum allows visitors to interactively explore scientific advancements through its vast collection of objects, engaging arts projects, and educational games, while also providing a deep dive into medical history and climate science.
6- National Women’s History Museum
The National Women History Museum in the United States plays a crucial role in highlighting the contributions of women to the nation’s development within a global context. Through its exhibitions and research, the museum emphasizes the impact of women on the social, cultural, economic, and political spheres of life, celebrating their historical and contemporary achievements.
7- Memorial Hall Museum Online
Memorial Hall Museum Online offers a digital exploration of American history through interactive activities, detailed exhibits, and educational resources. This platform brings historical documents and artifacts to life, providing a dynamic learning environment for students and history enthusiasts alike, with a focus on engagement and accessibility.
8- American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History stands as a global leader in preserving and exhibiting natural sciences and cultures. Located in New York, it offers a sweeping view of the planet’s history through its extensive exhibits and collections that showcase the diversity of the world’s cultures and the natural environment, making it a cornerstone for scientific education.
9- World Wide Museum of Natural History
World Wide Museum of Natural History is a virtual repository that brings natural history to your fingertips. This online museum features extensive photo galleries and educational resources covering a wide range of subjects from the fascinating world of fossils, including dinosaurs and ammonites, to current biodiversity such as butterflies and wildflowers, alongside comprehensive exhibits on astronomy and geology.
10. The Louvre
The Louvre , located in Paris, is one of the largest and most historic art museums in the world. Its virtual tour offers a unique opportunity to traverse centuries of history and view iconic works like the Mona Lisa and The Wedding Feast at Cana. The Louvre’s extensive collection spans over 10,000 years and continues to attract art lovers and researchers alike with its rich array of artifacts and masterpieces.Â
11- Moon Tour
The Moon Tour, available through Google Earth, offers an unprecedented virtual exploration of the Moon. This tour features narrated journeys by Apollo astronauts, detailed 3D models of spacecraft, and panoramic views of landing sites. It allows users to engage with historical space missions and experience the lunar surface up close
12. The Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum , located in Amsterdam, houses the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and more than 750 letters. The museum not only showcases Van Gogh’s iconic works but also provides insights into the broader 19th-century art landscape through various thematic exhibitions.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, virtual field trips to museums offer a unique and enriching experience that can bring the world’s cultural, historical, and scientific treasures right into the classroom. This collection of resources, particularly through platforms like Google Arts & Culture, opens up limitless possibilities for teachers to enhance their curriculum and for students to explore global masterpieces from the Louvre to the Smithsonian. These virtual tours not only make learning more engaging but also accessible, allowing students from all backgrounds to experience the wonder of the world’s most famous museums without leaving their homes. This is a wonderful way to cultivate a deeper appreciation of our global heritage and the advancements in science and art that shape our society.
