2020 hasn't been a good year for many people, especially those in New York. What was once the glimmering city of opportunity became one of the epicenters of a global pandemic. Out of all the cities in the world, it's safe to say that the pandemic has taken a huge toll on New York. So much so that many of their classic attractions and hotspots have closed down, some permanently while most are just for the time being. This, of course, includes the many museums in the city. But no worries! You can still visit them, even to this day, online!
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
If there's one New York museum everyone in the world knows, it's the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Or as it's more commonly referred to, 'The Met.' Year after year, on the first Monday of May, the museum becomes fashion's biggest red carpet event. The Met Gala has become one of the biggest and most sought-after events in the world, often referred to as 'Oscars of Fashion' But the museum itself goes beyond this annual event. It boasts a stunning collection of artworks and artifacts, ranging from all sorts of time periods, continents, and more. And thanks to Google’s Arts & Culture program, you can tour it yourself from wherever you are in the world.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Cloisters Museum and Gardens
One of the more important parts of The Met, the Cloisters and Gardens are actually a good distance away from the main building. But this shouldn't dissuade you from visiting it, especially online. Located on Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights, one of the best
neighborhoods in New York, this is a must-see gallery. From the exterior and ambiance to the fascinating artifacts it houses, the place is all about the Middle Ages. You won't just see all the relics from that time in history, but you'll really feel as if you're in that time period yourself, even virtually!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Modern Art
'The Starry Night' by Vincent Van Gogh, 'The Persistence of Memory' by Salvador Dalí, and 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' by Pablo Picasso. These are just some of the many iconic paintings you'll find in the Museum of Modern Art. It's here where you'll find all the classic pieces that redefined art during the turn of the 20th century, paving the way to modern art as the world knows it today. And while the actual museum remains closed today because of the pandemic, you can still see all these famous artworks, as well as a few others, online through Google’s Arts & Culture platform.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Speaking of modern art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, more commonly known as 'The Guggenheim,' is also a have for such artworks. Now, this gallery takes showcasing contemporary art to a whole new level! After all, the building itself is a piece of architectural art, designed by American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Through its unique round-about structure, guests are able to peruse and peek at all the exhibits and displays seamlessly, as if they were on a maze or something! Not even London's best galleries offer this kind of experience! And that's the sort of thing you'll expect in the museum's virtual tour too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is, perhaps, the most underrated on this list. It's possible not a lot of people, particularly tourists, regard it as a must-visit because it's not in Manhattan. Still, the Brooklyn Museum is a fascinating gallery full of historic relics of the past, outstanding artworks that reflect the present, and holds exhibitions that show different artists' visions for the future. The pieces here are all riveting, venturing into unchartered territories such as politics, social issues, and more. Thank goodness Google's Arts & Culture app allows you to view all of them in the comforts of your own home!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Frick Collection
Arguably the most elegant museum on this list, The Frick Collection is the sort of sophisticated gallery you'd expect in a city like New York. After all, it is located on the Upper East Side of the city. If you ever move to New York, this relatively peaceful museum will probably be one of your go-to retreats to take a break or to simply appreciate fine art every once and a whole, albeit virtually. The only downside of visiting it online? You won't get to appreciate the true beauty of its famous garden court.
Source: Flickr.com/ Frank Fujimoto
The Cooper Hewitt
Also on the Upper East Side of the city is the Cooper Hewitt museum, which is actually part of The Smithsonian. Inspired by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, this gallery showcases the best of the best in American design. Though The Met's Anna Wintour Costume Institute is more famous as a fashion exhibit, the Cooper Hewitt isn't too far behind! In fact, many American designers have even exhibited their own works and archives in this space. And thanks to the internet, you can view all of them and more online!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
While New York may be the last place you ought to visit now that the pandemic still lingers in the city, its many museums offer their own respective virtual tours to let the world still share in all their artistic and historic glory! You wouldn't want to miss them!
Hopefully, when you do get a chance to go to New York and see these museums in person, you'd choose a luxury rental for your accommodation here!
