To say that the world of art is diverse would be a gross understatement. It spans centuries in its representation of different regions, cultures, peoples, and events from various artists, styles, and mediums. It is not unlikely for an art lover to marry the passion for art with that of trip to experience art’s diversity.Here are places must visit.
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Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo has probably the most widespread collection of art galleries sprinkled among the various neighborhoods of the city. The Mori Art Museum is a good start, showcasing contemporary artworks from global and local artists and an observatory that boasts breathtaking views. The National Museum of Art allows an insightful look into Japanese art history and the developmental journey of modern Japanese art. One of the most interesting places in Tokyo is SCAI The Bathhouse. As the name suggests, it is a 200-year-old former bathhouse building converted into a contemporary art gallery. It is a marriage of traditional and modern, showcasing artwork from the likes of Anish Kapoor and Tatsuo Miyajima and holds international recognition.
New York City, USA
A melting point for global cultures, it’s only fitting that the Big Apple houses a thriving art scene that can keep an art enthusiast busy for days on end. Whether you are more attracted to world-renowned places or find the underground art scene more to your taste, New York has it all. Walking around the streets of Manhattan, you’ll find some of the most iconic institutes like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or simply ‘The Met’), and the Guggenheim Museum. Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood is bustling with art gallery hotspots like the Marianne Boesky Gallery, which moved from SoHo to Chelsea in 2005. But don’t just stick to Manhattan; try venturing out. If you find yourself in the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn, you’ll be welcomed by the raw beating heart of the city’s art. On streets decked out in graffiti, Brooklyn features contemporary art galleries that showcase works of underground artists.
Rome, Italy
Rome is probably one of the best-known cities for inheriting such a rich artistic legacy. For starters, The Sistine Chapel is an ode to the works of Renaissance artists like Signorelli, Pinturicchio, and Botticelli. The most notable, and even revered, part of the Chapel is Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco. Experiencing Roman artistic heritage is incomplete without a visit to Rome’s iconic Colosseum, an architectural marvel construction that first started between 70 and 72 AD. The Trevi Fountain is another much sought-after artistic masterpiece that art lovers marvel over. You can also visit the Vatican Museums, which hold a staggering collection of art gathered over centuries, or visit the St. Peter’s Basilica, a wonder in itself.
Paris, France
Paris is known globally for being the fashion capital of the world. But it is also a mecca for anyone passionate about art. The city boasts more than a thousand art museums and galleries, but there is no better start to describing the Parisian art scene than The Louvre. A revered place in art culture, the museum was established in the late 1700s after initially serving as a royal fortress. It currently holds the title of being the largest in the world. Most notably, the museum houses the largest collection of DaVinci’s works, including the famed Mona Lisa. Musée d’Orsay is another iconic gallery located in the palatial Gare d’Orsay railway station. The building itself has a significant history but was only recently converted into a museum in 1986. With a staggering collection of Impressionist as well as Post-Impressionist art pieces, in Musée d’Orsay you’ll find works by iconic artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne.
Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria has a rich art history, but it may surprise many that Lagos is being regarded as the up-and-coming hub for contemporary art. One of the most notable, the Omenka Gallery showcases works from local artists (both notable and underground), and brings art from around the world to Nigeria, putting it on the map. Other outstanding galleries include the Red Door Gallery, Art Twenty One, and the ReLe Gallery. The city also houses institutes like the African Artists’ Foundation, formed in 2007, that arranges mega art events annually, such as the Lagos Photo Festival.
These are only a few of the many hotspots worldwide for art enthusiasts to visit and revel in the global artistic heritage. There are several other notable art destinations, including Melbourne, Florence, London, and Beijing, which would be a treat for art lovers.
