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Last week, we talked about 51 things to do while social distancing. Of course one of those things was to plan some travel for when things get back to normal. But if planning alone isn’t giving you that taste of wanderlust you are craving, consider virtual museum tours. Virtual museum tours are also a good potential option for parents looking for activities to do while their kids are suddenly at home. Age dependent of course.

8 Museums to Visit Virtually from your Couch

Vasa Museum in Stockholm Sweden

I’ll admit that the Vasa Museum is the first one on my list because it’s one I have been to most recently. However, it should be first one your list of virtual museum tours because it was a really cool concept. It would also be an exciting one for kids.

If you are unaware of the Vasa Museum, think like the Titanic – but recovered and now on display! You can listen to the Vasa Museum audioguide here. You can find short films about the Vasa here. These include fun facts about the ship itself, the maiden voyage (hint: it was REALLY short), the ship’s discovery, as well as recovery and preservation.

Orangerie Museum in Paris France

One of the most interesting parts of my trip to Paris was seeing Claude Monet’s Water Lilies at Musée de l’Orangerie . It is a series of paintings that you experience by standing in the middle. This makes it a perfect option to experience vitually. Check out the Water Lilies here.

The Accademia Gallery in Florence Italy

This museum is most well known for the statue of gigantic statue of David. I will admit that part of the coolness of seeing this statue in person was the absolute magnitude of it. However, a virtual museum tour will spare you the selfie sticks. This link takes you to a history, photos and two videos about the famous statue.

Orsay Museum in Paris France

When I visited the Musée d’Orsay for myself, I wasn’t sure if I preferred the exhibits or the actual museum building itself more. The Orsay is actually housed in a former train station giving this museum quite a bit of character. You can see the interior in this video as well as a selection of works here.

Vatican Museums, Vatican City

Don’t forget to look up during your virtual museum tours, especially when you check out the Vatican Museums. The Vatican offers many 360 degree virtual tours including one of the Sistine Chapel. Can you spot “The Creation of Adam” (which is the super famous painting where the fingers of two figures are almost touching)?

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Ok, so this one is totally not a museum, but it is one of the coolest places that I have ever been. After exploring a lot of cities in Europe, you might get a little tired of seeing church after church. However, the Sagrada Familia is no ordinary church and if you are ever visiting Barcelona, it will be my first recommendation for you. And I was delighted to find out that there is a virtual experience of the Sagrada Familia.

If you don’t do anything else from this list of virtual museum tours make sure you check out the Sagrada Familia (click on “inside” and make sure you look “up”). There is plenty more to see besides just the inside portion but if you have never been, take 2 minutes right now and go. Virtually.

Art Institute of Chicago

Move over Europe. We have cool art in the US as well. The Art Institute of Chicago is definitely worth an in-person visit if you are ever in the area. And a great excuse to get deep dish pizza after a long day of visiting exhibits (do you even need an excuse?).

Fortunately they have an entire section of the website dedicated to visiting the museum virtually. This allows you to access audio tours, videos, as well as highlights of the collection.

Louvre in Paris France

Probably the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre is so massive that you might want to take a virtual museum tour even if you have been before. The exterior of the building is absolutely beautiful. Here you can find the virtual options.

Virtual Museum Tours

Hopefully you enjoyed this collection of 8 different virtual museum tours as a way to explore from your home. Are there any that aren’t on this list that you would recommend? Let me know in the comments! Also if you are looking for other things to do while in quarantine from the coronavirus, check out these 12 ways to satisfy your wanderlust from home.

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