With more people staying home and places temporarily shutting their doors as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it may seem harder than ever to interact with and enjoy the arts. But as Kabir Jhala, editorial assistant for The Art Newspaper, an international journal that covers art and event, said in response to the recent mass closings of art spaces: “When God closes a gallery door, he opens up a browser window.” Here are five ways you can continue to experience the art world from the comfort of your home.
1. Museum Tours Go Virtual
Have you always wanted to explore the halls of the Metropolitan Museum in New York? Or see the works of Michelangelo at the Louvre in Paris? Well, now you can as major museums across the world offer free virtual tours. Travel to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, or tour the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. Call into the Museum Catharijneconvent in the Netherlands and learn all about their newest exhibition on miracles. Share the experience with your children and open their eyes to the remarkable world of museums.
2. Broadway Takes to YouTube
When Broadway officially shut down on March 16, it seemed like the end of performances for the time being. However, Broadway actors knew the show must go on! Now with the help of The Actor’s Fund, Broadway stars are continuing to give performances on YouTube. Tune in everyday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and see some incredible performances from award-winning actors, like Idina Menzel, Jeremy Jordan, James Monroe Iglehart and Kristen Chenoweth.
3. Virtual Cinema
Movie theaters are also among those establishments hit hard with the recent shut-downs. But Film Movement, a film distributor out of New York, is working hard to keep the love of cinema alive. Their streaming platform Film Movement Plus is working with local movie houses across the country to give you the theater experience at home. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic film or a new release, this streaming platform also helps independent theaters stay in business. Now all you need to do is pop the popcorn!
4. The Met Opera: Now Streaming
Want a front row seat to one of the most celebrated and accomplished opera performances of all time? You can, now that The Metropolitan Opera announced they will be streaming their performances online. These nightly shows begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and are available until 6:30 p.m. ET the next day. Enjoy the incredible costumes, set designs and musical masterpieces without having to leave your house. Check the Met Opera’s website for a schedule of performances.
5. Visit Cultural Art Sites
Many of the world’s most beautiful, cultural art sites have created virtual experiences. Now, people can feel like they’ve left their homes and traveled—even if for a moment. Look up at the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Explore the adorned rooms at the Palace of Versailles in France. Take a guided virtual tour of the Tower of London. Walk around the outside of the ornate Taj Mahal. Just Google “arts & culture” to find some of your favorite cultural sites.
