Escape and explore the glorious art museums and galleries of Paris, Barcelona or Florence. Whether you’re intrigued by rich Renaissance paintings, bold contemporary statements or dreamy impressionist reveries, it’s well worth your time to wander some of the finest art museums in the world, admiring the centuries of timeless beauty housed within their walls, holidays to Spain, Italy and France can be influential for up and coming artists and students, as the cities are rich in art history and opportunities.
Incredible modern art
For incredible modern art and architecture, it’s hard to beat bold, bustling Barcelona. Around every corner, you’ll find eye-popping buildings by such modernist architectural stars as Gaudi and Montaner, as well as glorious galleries brimming with works by Picasso, Dali and Arribas. Among the magnificent museums is the Fundació Joan Miró, housing a stunning collection of the surrealist’s works and crowned with a rooftop sculpture garden boasting jaw-dropping harbor views. A fantastic collection of modern art is housed in the spectacular spaces of the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, while masses of medieval sculptures fill the historic chambers of Museu Frederic Marès.
Explore one of the world’s best cultural capitals
Glamorous, glittery Paris is one of the globe’s major artistic centres, home to some of history’s most renowned works of art. From Monet to Picasso, this entrancing city has inspired artists for centuries with its enchanting parks, lovely historic buildings and scenic river banks. Housing the largest art collection in the world, the legendary Louvre Museum is best navigated with a good map and a little advanced planning to make sure you don’t miss any works of special interest. Right across the street is the lovely Musée d’Orsay, home to an unparalleled collection of French Impressionist paintings and a glittering Belle Époque dining room for post-perusing lunches. The Pompidou Center, opened in 1977, showcases the works of such contemporary masters as Klee, Picasso, Starck and Warhol. Outside the museum, you’ll find mimes, street artists, budding musicians and a fanciful musical water sculpture.
A golden dream of a city
Florence’s art museums and galleries house some of the most famous paintings and sculptures in the world. The Uffizi Gallery brims with Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo and Giotto, while the Bargello Palace showcases historic sculptures including a stunning overview of the works of sculptor Donatello. Ensconced in a historic Medici palace, the Palazzo Pitti is sumptuously hung with thousands of paintings by such masters as Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and Rubens, with other highlights including a costume gallery, modern art collection, baroque garden and original Medici royal apartment.
