As Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance and has, and continues to, given rise to some of the most famous artists to ever exist, there is an incredible artistic heritage in the country and endless museums, galleries, churches, towns, mural walls, stately homes, temporary exhibitions, and more that are stuffed with outstanding works of art to take in all over the country. However, if, as in moments like this, you can't quite make it to Italy or her exhibitions then fear not! A large number of truly excellent exhibitions and world-class museums and cultural institutions are available online to visitors through virtual tours and other online resources. We've rounded up a list of some great examples that you can visit right now from the comfort of your own homes as we all look forward to adventures in the real thing sometime very soon in the future...
1. The Uffizi
The Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world. It was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560 and is named for the Italian word for “offices,” which is what the building was originally intended to house when it was first constructed. As it became home to more and more artworks over time, that became its primary function and in 1765, it was officially opened to the public as a museum.
The Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world. It was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560 and is named for the Italian word for “offices,” which is what the building was originally intended to house when it was first constructed. As it became home to more and more artworks over time, that became its primary function and in 1765, it was officially opened to the public as a museum.
Today, there are 45 rooms open to the public and thousands of works by scientists, architects, sculptors, painters, and writers on display throughout. If you want to explore these rooms and the treasure trove of gems held within for yourself then click here to explore the Uffizi virtually.
2. The Vatican Museums
Vatican City is one, giant artistic gem. The wealth and power of the Catholic Church throughout the centuries allowed for the commissioning of some of the most extraordinary buildings and works of art and objects by the hands of some of the most creative and talented people who have ever lived. If you walk around the city, you will see incredible things all around you. However, the Vatican Museums, or Musei Vaticani, in particular, is where you will find the peak of the mind-boggling wealth of the cultural and artistic heritage of this place.
Vatican City is one, giant artistic gem. The wealth and power of the Catholic Church throughout the centuries allowed for the commissioning of some of the most extraordinary buildings and works of art and objects by the hands of some of the most creative and talented people who have ever lived. If you walk around the city, you will see incredible things all around you. However, the Vatican Museums, or Musei Vaticani, in particular, is where you will find the peak of the mind-boggling wealth of the cultural and artistic heritage of this place.
Using this link, you can explore the various museums in the Vatican, including the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Pio Clementino Museum, Chiaramonti Museum, Lapidary Gallery, New Wing, Gregoriano Profano Museum, Christian Museum, Christian Lapidarium, Jewish Lapidarium, Pinacoteca Ethnological Museum, Chapel of St. Peter Martyr, Collection of Contemporary Art, Borgia Apartment, Raphael's Rooms, and, even, the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's incredible famous fresco cycle.
3. The Capitoline Museums
Staying in Rome, the Capitoline Museums, or Musei Capitolini, is a complex of three buildings on the Capitoline Hill that house a group of art and archaeological museums that is the place to go for those who are interested in the Ancient Romans who truly laid down the groundwork for the long legacy of incredible art and cultural practices in Italy. Located in a beautiful building designed by Michelangelo, it is home to amazing collections featuring frescoes, stuccoes, tapestries, carved ceilings and doors, coins, medals, jewels and jewellery, ruins and other in situ archaeological sites that now exist in the museum, statues, inscriptions, sarcophagi, busts, mosaics, and other ancient Roman artefacts. Hit the link here (Adobe Flash Player is required) and explore the incredible wealth of outstanding objects from the world of the Ancient Romans that are held in the wonderful Capitoline Museums.
Staying in Rome, the Capitoline Museums, or Musei Capitolini, is a complex of three buildings on the Capitoline Hill that house a group of art and archaeological museums that is the place to go for those who are interested in the Ancient Romans who truly laid down the groundwork for the long legacy of incredible art and cultural practices in Italy. Located in a beautiful building designed by Michelangelo, it is home to amazing collections featuring frescoes, stuccoes, tapestries, carved ceilings and doors, coins, medals, jewels and jewellery, ruins and other in situ archaeological sites that now exist in the museum, statues, inscriptions, sarcophagi, busts, mosaics, and other ancient Roman artefacts. Hit the link here (Adobe Flash Player is required) and explore the incredible wealth of outstanding objects from the world of the Ancient Romans that are held in the wonderful Capitoline Museums.
4. Venerada Biblioteca Ambrosiana
This library in Milan might be less famous globally than the other entries on this list but it is no less interesting for that. In fact, it is stuffed full of some of the most extraordinary works of art that you could imagine. Founded by Cardinal Federico Borromeo in 1607, it was one of the first libraries to be opened to the public and was conceived of as a centre of study and culture.
This library in Milan might be less famous globally than the other entries on this list but it is no less interesting for that. In fact, it is stuffed full of some of the most extraordinary works of art that you could imagine. Founded by Cardinal Federico Borromeo in 1607, it was one of the first libraries to be opened to the public and was conceived of as a centre of study and culture.
It is home to about one million printed volumes in Greek, Latin, Vernacular, and Oriental languages, as well as the Cardinal's collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures, which were donated in 1618. With holdings including items by Da Vinci, Vespino, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Caravaggio, and more, the interior and exterior of this exceptional cultural institution can be explored here.
5. Museo del Novecento
Another gem in Milan, the Museo del Novecento, or 20th Century Museum, is located in the Piazza del Duomo and is home to over 4,000 works of 20th century Italian art. Established just in 2010, this new but fascinating gem was established to promote Italian art from the 20th century and allow it to reach a wider audience. Full of intriguing works, it can be thoroughly explored through online exhibitions and virtual tours of the interiors here.
Another gem in Milan, the Museo del Novecento, or 20th Century Museum, is located in the Piazza del Duomo and is home to over 4,000 works of 20th century Italian art. Established just in 2010, this new but fascinating gem was established to promote Italian art from the 20th century and allow it to reach a wider audience. Full of intriguing works, it can be thoroughly explored through online exhibitions and virtual tours of the interiors here.
Being stuck at home is hard when there is so much to see but there has never been a better time in history to do so much exploration from your own sofa! There's no need to miss out at all and, if you're in need of a little distraction, the world of incredible works of art and historic objects that live in Italy are sure to provide hours of entertainment and education. Start discovering it all for yourself today!
