Just like travelers, no two art lovers are alike. Whether the Renaissance suits your fancy, you’re a fan of the abstract or more of a modern connoisseur, there are art museums in abundance throughout Europe for every taste. While some museums are must-sees on any bucket list (The Louvre, anyone?), we want to showcase some other spots to really feed your specific artsy wanderlust.
For the Impressionist Lovers
Much like an Impressionist painting, your mind will likely gravitate you towards the famous Musee du Louvre in Paris, as it is home to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the beautiful Venus de Milo. However, should your heart lie with the Impressionist works of Monet, Manet, Pissaro, and Degas, make your way over to the Musee D’Orsay, located on the left bank of the Seine and housed in an old Beaux Arts railway station.
If you absolutely must take a glance at Claude Monet’s large format “Waterlilies” cycle, you must visit Paris’ Musée de l’Orangerie, where the beloved paintings have been housed since 1927.
For the Van Gogh Enthusiasts
Van Gogh’s art spans the world and can be seen in numerous museums across the globe, but there’s no denying that when you’re visiting Amsterdam, you’ll have to visit the aptly named Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Some of Van Gogh’s most iconic paintings such as “Irises,” “The Bedroom” and some of his self-portraits are featured here.
For the Fans of Dutch Realists
If you love art that mimics reality, head to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, home to the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer. There are over 1 million objects, with 2,000 of the paintings dedicated to the Dutch Golden Age with the realistic portrayals of Dutch life. If you’re looking for ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’ (and no you won’t find Scarlett Johannsen waiting, sorry boys), travel to the Mauritshuis museum in the Netherlands.
For The Lovers of Ancient Artifacts
If you’ve always been curious to lay your eyes on the Rosetta Stone – we’re not talking about the language software – the incredible British Museum is where you need to find yourself when you’re in London. The museum is open to the public and admission is free (donations kindly accepted), making this a can’t-miss in the city. Better yet, there are guides that highlight the must-see items in the museum, whether you have one hour, three hours, or more time to explore.
This museum is also home to an impressive collection of Egyptian antiquities and artifacts, including a mummified Cleopatra (but for those keeping score, it isn’t the Cleopatra that we know from the history books).
