Best virtual art gallery visits in the UK
May 2020
Despite the challenging situation for museums and galleries, as consumers we now have ‘virtual’ access to some of the most wonderful institutions that we might never have had the opportunity to visit.
Here are a few suggestions (and there are many more out there!)
Courtauld Hour
The Courtauld Institute is currently closed for reburbishment but in the meantime, one is still able to visit their galleries virtually. They have also introduced ‘Courtauld Hour’ every Thursday evening from 8 – 9pm with a team of experts discussing interesting art historical subjects. Art & Wellbeing (7th May), The Future of Art History (14th May) and Women Artists (21st May). Visit www.courtauld.ac.uk
Royal Academy
Have you seen the David Hockney retrospective film that is currently available on the RA website? It’s an interesting look at his 2012 Yorkshire landscapes exhibition and 2016 Portraits. As ever, Hockney is refreshingly straight forward and unpretentious about his remarkable life and works.
www.royalacademy.org/article/exhibition-on-screen-documentary-david-hockney
National Gallery
The National has launched a lovely series of 10 minute videos where curators talk you through selected masterpieces. Called ‘Art History in 10 minutes’ you can find them on their You tube site here.
You can also take a virtual tour of 300 paintings in 18 gallery rooms, the Sainsbury Wing and Renaissance masterpieces.
www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours
National Portrait Gallery
The Cecil Beaton show ‘Bright Young Things’ was seen by so few before closure, that the NPG is launching a competition for best snaps in the vein of the glamorous exhibition. The deadline is May 18th and the prize is a display at the gallery.
www.npg.org.uk/whatson/cecil-beaton-bright-young-things/exhibition
Hauser & Wirth
Hauser & Wirth has launched a Virtual Reality show, Beside Itself, set in its future Menorca branch. You can stroll through the show featuring Louise Bourgeois, Jenny Holzer and Luchita Hurtado.
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac
Every Saturday morning, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac is offering ‘Tea with Julia’ – or a chat with Julia Peyton-Jones, formerly of the Serpentine, about influential art. She will invite her friends; artists, collectors, curators and philanthropists to catch up on their quarantine experiences.
Find out more at www.instagram.com/thaddaeusropac
A little closer to home
The Wilson Art Gallery in Cheltenham are opening a Virtual HumanKind Exhibition. It aims to capture and recognise the kindness and generosity of individuals, businesses and communities in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas that will help us through these unprecedented times.
How to enter: Send a high resolution image that captures a person, a moment, or a scene of human kindness. Write a maximum of 500 words explaining the person, moment or scene with your name and contact details to: programme@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Find out more at www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/event/humankind
You will also be able to view the new ‘Sisterhood’ Photography exhibition by artist Danielle Salloum from the comfort of your home. Audio clips and videos reveal portraits of women and their stories of Sisterhood. From 4th May. Visit www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/event/sisterhood
Visit our online shop to buy a new sketchbook and make a record from all the inspiration you are enjoying online!