Whirlwind London
We’re just back from a week in London where we took advantage of the free guided tours offered by our three favorite museums: the National Gallery, the Victoria & Albert, and the British Museum. Of course, we’re very fortunate to have the chance to visit in person. But the wonderful thing about this interconnected world of ours is that, with the click of a mouse, you can plan a virtual visit to whet your appetite for the real thing.
For example, take a look at this page on the National Gallery’s website. Here you can actually view the Gallery’s collection from a number of different viewpoints: by artist, by century, new acquisitions, or highlights. While you’re on the site, take a closer look at the special exhibitions, like the one on Jan Gossaert, a 16th century Flemish painter. Once you get to know his work, you’ll be looking for more.
At the British Museum, we were thrilled to discover their “Eyeopener Tours.” These 35 to 40 minute tours run throughout the day, and focus on four or five objects in one particular gallery; for example, Japan, Ancient Iraq, Romano-British gods and goddesses, and Money, among others. The tours are led by volunteer docents who are amazingly well informed. You can get a taste of this experience in regard to Egypt here. This is only one of many resources on the Museum’s site.
So, armchair art lovers, rejoice—the treasures of London’s museums are as near as your computer.
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