The need to self-quarantine these past few days (or weeks for most folks) to help us “flatten the curve” has us twiddling our thumbs and wondering what to do with our extra time at home. Lucky for us, many museums, historical sites, and even theme parks have made their spaces easily accessible from the comfort of our homes. All you need is a digital device and some decent wi-fi! From 360° tours, to daily podcasts and updated playlists, you’ll have plenty to do! Here are a handful of virtual tours worth checking out:
1. Grammy Museum, Los Angeles, CA
Turning to music as an outlet? The Grammy Museum is offering a “Museum at home” series including lessons, activities, and daily playlists curated by their staff to help fuel the soul. There is no subscription, sign-up, or payment required.
2. Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Do you travel for art and are currently missing that right now? You can explore one of the four different tours that the Louvre is currently offering online – all free! Their tours include Exhibition: The Advent of the Artist’, Egyptian Antiquities, Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and Galerie d’Apollon. Click here to explore.
3. Buckingham Palace, London, UK
There’s nothing more royal than the Queen’s residence otherwise known as the Buckingham Palace itself. They will take you through a whimsical (virtual) tour of the Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and Blue Drawing Room.
4. Windsor Castle, Windsor, UK
If you have an interest in the royal family and checking out Buckingham Palace wasn’t enough, the Windsor Castle, which is the largest occupied castle in the world is now hosting virtual tours as well! Get a preview into this castle by checking out their virtual tour. You’ll get a chance to check out a traditional State Banquet in St George’s Hall, the Waterloo Chamber, and the Crimson Drawing Room.
5. J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, CA
If you’re missing getting your art fix at your local art museum, fear no more. The Getty Museum has created a series of online art, books, videos, and podcasts which you can enjoy all in the convenience of your home. Click through to check it out here.
6. The Vault at the Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles, CA
The virtual tour of the museum vault inside the Petersen Automotive Museum is led by the Petersen’s collection manager, Dana Williamson, and features a mind-boggling assortment of race cars, movie cars, and vehicles of cultural significance. The 60 minute live (virtual) tour will be open for questions as well!
7. Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, CA
Even if the actual Winchester Mystery House is currently closed to the public, they’ve launched a Video Access Tour at no cost for you happening now until April 7! Explore this architectural wonder and historic landmark all from the comfort of your home.
8. The Vatican Museum, Rome, Italy
If quarantining is getting in the way of your 2020 travel plans, take a virtual tour of the Vatican. The Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Raphael’s Room, are just some of the sites you can see on the Vatican’s virtual tour. If you really want to immerse yourself even further, we’ve found a live cam where you might get a chance to catch the Pope’s daily mass.
9. NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
For aspiring astronauts or enthusiasts, virtual tours are available at the NASA Glenn Research Center abound of NASA’s various research and training facilities—putting users right inside a supersonic wind tunnel, a zero-gravity lab, flight simulators, a space environments complex and much more.
10. Pompeii, Pompei, Italy
Pompeii can be seen right from your screen at home with these virtual tours. Known for its ancient mosaics and buildings preserved by the volcanic eruption that buried the town, is one of the world’s most interesting destinations.
11. Franklin D Roosevelt Library and Museum, Hyde Park, NY
The Franklin D Roosevelt Library and Museum brings together the documents and artifacts of President Roosevelt’s administration and presents them to the public for study. Even if you can’t quite make it to the museum, they’ve made it easily accessible for you with a virtual walkthrough which you can find here.
12. Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton, NJ
The Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton, NJ known for showcasing works by internationally recognized and emerging contemporary artists. They have adapted to change in light of recent events by creating a virtual tour of their current exhibition called “Explorations in Felt”.
13. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC
Take a self-guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History from your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Visitors can access current, permanent, and past exhibits online.
14. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
The Metropolitan Museum of Art gives people a chance to virtually visit their world-renowned museum using spherical 360° technology. PSA: Volume-on for a more immersive experience.
15. Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
If you’re a Disney fan and missing those parades down Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland, you can make it a magical day and relive the “Magic Happens Parade” right from home.
16. Cliffs of Moher, Clare, Ireland
Ireland’s top tourist attraction, the Cliffs of Moher, is available for your virtual viewing pleasure! Situated along the Atlantic Way, learn more and see what this beauty is all about here.
17. Orlando, FL
Visit Orlando has made it easy for you to view everything there is to do in their city at the comfort of your electronic device with their Orlando Virtual Tour. Explore their theme parks, hotels, shopping centers, and more.
18. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Even if you can’t quite travel to Amsterdam at this very moment, the Anne Frank House has made their museum easily accessible from wherever you are. Learn more about the museum by clicking through to their virtual tour.
19. Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal, Canada
Pointe-à-Callière, is known for some of its remarkable architectural ruins and is a national archaeological and historic site. They’ve virtually opened their doors for users to check it out from home! Learn more about their museum exhibitions virtually by clicking here for free!
Follow our newly created Virtual Tours of Museums, Historic Sites, Theme Parks, and More Right from Your Couch Collection to have this entire list available right at the palm of your hand!
Looking for more ideas? Check out our blog post on Five Ways You Can Support Local Businesses during Coronavirus or Five Ways to Get Fresh Air While Social distancing.
