Art Cities: A Travel Guide for Art Lovers
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There are extraordinary cities around the world that offer art galleries, stunning museums, sculptures, and street art to art lovers. These cities, which have become iconic with their works, provide visual feasts and inspire art lovers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at cities filled with works of art in Europe and America. In addition to the museums and architecture that have become the city’s symbols, we will also unearth hidden artifacts.
Get ready to add these art-filled cities to your bucket list!
The Best Six Art Cities in Europe
For art lovers, European cities are unique treasures. From the classical period to contemporary art and works by magnificent artists, Europe is the cradle of many art styles.
We tell you where to find the best in this list of Europe’s best galleries, museums, and architectural wealth. If you are planning an inspiring and artistic European holiday, you should definitely see these cities in Europe!
1. Paris, France
There are hundreds of art galleries of all styles in Paris, the favorite city of art lovers. Renaissance, classical, contemporary, or fashionable visual arts are all over Paris. Architectural icons appeal to art lovers, from iconic museums such as the Louvre to contemporary art museums such as Modus Art Gallery, which are waiting for art lovers. There are also private collections, single artist showcases, and intimate museums waiting to be discovered in Paris.
Being the center of Europe in finance, economy, and fashion, Paris is also a pioneer in art branches such as painting, sculpture, and music. It also deserves to be the first stop for art lovers in Europe!
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in Paris
- Musee d’Orsay
- The Louvre
- Pompidou Center
- 59 Rivoli
- Rodin Museum
2. London, UK
London is another European city that appeals to all kinds of art lovers. The city is brimming with art galleries of high standards, from the classics to the modern era. Rich and unique artifacts welcome visitors to various parts of London. The best part is that almost all the museums in London are free!
Art museums such as the National Gallery, where you can see iconic works of art, and the Tate Modern or Saatchi Gallery, which present the best examples of modern art, fill London visitors with art.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in London
- British Museum
- Tate Britain
- National Gallery
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Tate Modern
Best Places To Visit in the UK
3. Florence, Italy
Florence, the city in the cradle of Renaissance art! Florence, one of the leading art cities in Europe, has the best examples of Renaissance painting. Florence is the city where the High Renaissance reached its peak long before Rome.
At the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery, you can see iconic works of the Renaissance, such as the David of Michelangelo and the Birth of Venus. On the other hand, contemporary art in Florence is also developing as an opposition to the Renaissance. Centro di Cultura Contemporanea a Palazzo Strozzi, where you can see contemporary works of art, offers art lovers a different perspective.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in Florence
- Pitti Palace
- Uffizi Gallery
- Galleria dell'Accademia
- Centro di Cultura Contemporanea a Palazzo Strozzi
- Bargello Museum
4. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is definitely one of the cities where the heart of art beats in Europe! Even Museum Island alone is reason enough for art lovers to besiege Berlin. In addition to the Alte National Gallery and the Gemäldegalerie, where unique classical works are exhibited, examples of modern art exist in Berlin.
Berlin, which hosts classical collections from the 13th to the 19th centuries and modern works of the 20th century, also features alternative artists in the East Side Gallery. You can take a walk to see the works of hundreds of artists on the 1.3 km section of the Berlin Wall. You can also find the best examples of theatre, opera, music, and architecture in Berlin.
Best Places to Visit for Art Lovers in Berlin
- East Side Gallery
- Gemäldegalerie
- Deutsche Oper
- Altes Museum
- Neues Museum
- Alte National Gallery
- Pergamon Museum
- Bode Museum
5. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a magical city for art lovers, with its extraordinary architectural works. It is surrounded by Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque works, contemporary art galleries, and the Picasso Museum, which presents the most significant collections of Picasso to its visitors.
Fascinating works like Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia make Barcelona’s architecture iconic. This situation is why Barcelona stands out with its architecture rather than art. The works of Spanish giants Picasso, Gaudi, Dali, and Miro, make Barcelona one of the most impressive art cities in Europe.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in Barcelona
- Picasso Museum
- Joan Miro Foundation
- Casa Vicens
- Sagrada Familia
- National Art Museum of Catalonia
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The “Venice of the North” Amsterdam has a unique architectural structure. There are also interesting examples of architecture, such as Dancing Houses in Amsterdam, which offers examples of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Being the focal point of Van Gogh lovers, Amsterdam also hosts contemporary works with high standards. In addition, the houses of famous residents of Amsterdam are also the focus of art lovers, such as the Anne Frank House and the painter Rembrandt House. Amsterdam offers a first-class artistic saturation, mostly with works from the 17th century.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in Amsterdam
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Rembrandt House Museum
- Anne Frank House
- Stedelijk Museum
Best Art Cities in the USA
The American art world actually has a broader spectrum than you might think. Although New York and Los Angeles stand out, they have many inspiring art cities waiting to be discovered. Art galleries, museums, and alternative street arts appeal to art lovers of different styles.
In the list below, we will also have a look at the cities of America full of art branches such as architecture, music, painting, and sculpture. Get ready to explore the arts-filled cities of America!
1. New York City, New York
Of course, New York is the first city that comes to mind when talking about art in the USA. New York City, full of art galleries, museums, opera, and theater buildings, offers unforgettable moments to art lovers. Broadway musicals keep theater lovers flocking to the city throughout the season.
New York is a city that pioneered the American cultural movement and the arts. The Harlem Renaissance is the birthplace of diverse branches of art, such as abstract expressionism, hip hop, salsa, and punk. The place where street art gains importance, New York lives up to its name, “The City That Never Sleeps”.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in New York City
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Museum of Modern Art
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Metropolitan Opera
2. Chicago, Illinois
In Chicago, home to world-class art centers, artworks are spread over public spaces. Extraordinary works such as the Picasso statue, the Cloud Gate, and Miró’s Chicago greet visitors in different parts of the city.
Chicago is also the city that hosts the most art galleries after New York. Dozens of art galleries in the River North area impress art lovers. In addition to the permanent collections of Impressionism and Art Impressionism exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, there are also collections of American, European, Asian, modern, and contemporary art. With its large residential area, the Art Institute is the second largest art museum in the USA.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in Chicago
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Cloud Gate
- The Chicago Theatre
- Chicago Picasso
3. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is definitely one of the most famous art cities in the USA. Especially Los Angeles, where the movie industry thrives, is home to Disneyland and important art schools. Los Angeles is the home of actors, producers, and directors.
On the other hand, Los Angeles, which also hosts private galleries, museums, and exhibitions, also offers examples of American and European art. For example, the Hammer Museum offers a collection of historical artifacts and contemporary art exhibitions. Also, the Los Angeles Museum of Art is the most popular art center in Los Angeles. Screenings, concerts, and various collections host a variety of art styles.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Getty Center
- The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
- The Broad
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Bustling contemporary art scenes and street corner musicians successfully reflect New Orleans’ passion for art. Traditional New Orleans Jazz is preserved in the city for music lovers. The Preservation Hall continues bringing the city’s music to art lovers without profit.
In addition to music, the New Orleans Museum of Art hosts many works from the Italian Renaissance to modern art. In addition, artifacts that shed light on the city’s history are exhibited at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and the National WWII Museum.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in New Orleans
- The National WWII Museum
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Preservation Hall
- New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
- Congo Square
5. San Francisco, California
One of California’s top art cities, San Francisco, has the best art and art museums in the country. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Young Museum are home to high-end collections.
The Mission District, which looks like an open-air museum in San Francisco, is full of murals. Hosting important exhibitions, collections, and galleries of the USA, San Francisco is a city that is a meeting point for art lovers.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in San Francisco
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- de Young Museum
- The Painted Ladies
- Asian Art Museum
- Palace of Fine Arts
6. Miami, Florida
It is no surprise that Miami Beach, home of Art Basel, is on this list! The galleries, conservations program, and cultural institutions held in Art Basel provide enough reason to gather art lovers in Miami.
Besides, Miami is also home to museums, collections, and more that will appeal to art lovers throughout the year. For example, the Pérez Art Museum is taking initiatives to encourage new artists. With its contemporary art museums and innovative art understanding, Miami deserves to be one of the art centers in the USA.
Best Places To Visit for Art Lovers in Miami
- Pérez Art Museum Miami
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Rubell Museum
- The Wolfsonian
- Museum of Contemporary Art
The Bottom Line
There you have it…The best art cities from all around the world…If you’re an art lover, make sure you add those cities to your bucket list.