Marble sculptures, Renaissance paintings and urban street art. The world’s most artistic cities know no bounds when it comes to creation. Whether you like classical European art or modern pieces, these cities definitely know how to attract art lovers from all over the world! For those looking for a museum-filled getaway, this list of artistic cities around the world is a great place to start:
New Orleans, USA
This city simply exudes art. Various art festivals attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city. Urban buildings showcase a wide range of public art, and artificial neighborhoods like Marigny and Bywater attract young artists who want to show their work to the world.
Highlights
Visit the French Art Market or Piety Street Market for the finest works by local artists, jewelers, designers, vintage collectors and more. Or check out The Avant Garden, where upcoming talent is represented in the city. Also discover remarkable galleries like 39 Congress and Antenna Gallery, and visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum in Treme. The whole city exudes art and music and you do not know where to start!
Vienna Austria
This beautiful city is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most important art destinations. This is largely due to over 600 years of Habsburg rule, during which time the royal family assembled a wonderful collection of art now on display in the city’s museums.
A visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum allows you to enjoy pieces by Europe’s most famous artists through time along with works from Egypt, Greece and beyond. Vienna is buzzing with art so you can celebrate your eyes!
Also read: The most beautiful sights in Vienna
Florence, Italy
While Rome has the Vatican Museum, Florence certainly has an important place in the art world with its extensive collection of famous works of art. Walk through the galleries of one of the oldest museums in the world, the Uffizi. Here you can take a closer look at Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” as well as pieces of other Italian greats with occasional views of the passing Arno River.
Also, do not miss the Galleria dell ‘Accademia, where you can admire Michelangelo’s sculptural genius through his massive marble creation, David. There are always long queues for these museums, so keep that in mind when planning your day, or book a ticket or tour in advance.
Santa Fe, USA
Growing artists from across the country embark on a pilgrimage to Santa Fe. Not only to showcase their work to an art community, but also to learn from artisans who have refined their craft for decades. Everything from impressionist paintings and turquoise jewelry, Santa Fe has what it takes to belong to a stunning artistic city.
The city has more than 100 galleries such as the Michael Henington Fine Art Gallery and the Chiaroscuro Contemporary Art Gallery (featuring Native American and Aboriginal art).
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a great city if you are looking for art. Spain’s third largest city appears on many fronts as a creative hub with an imaginative taste. The City of Arts and Sciences is a beautiful building to see from the outside and you can relax on a bench to enjoy the view before entering. Visit Hemisfèric, Science Museum and Oceanogràfic here. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues!
In April, creativity brings even more life to the streets with huge sculptures or “fallas”. Often they convey a political message and the colorful structures burn down at the end of the week, leading to a super-large party.
Rome, Italy
Of course, there is another city in Italy in the top 10. The Vatican Museum alone earns Rome its place on any artistic list. With incredibly large galleries, the museum attracts millions of tourists every year.
Among the vast collection of Renaissance art, visitors are drawn to one of the world’s most famous masterpieces: Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Besides the Vatican, Rome still breathes art, if only because of all the old buildings and streets. The whole city is like an open-air museum!
Also read: The top 10 most beautiful squares in Rome
São Paulo, Brazil
This city may be lesser known, but Brazil’s great megalopolis, São Paulo, is the art capital of Latin America.
In addition to the beautiful São Paulo Biennale (the world’s second oldest exhibition after Venice), the city is also home to the Museu de Arte Moderna. Here, visitors can admire modern and contemporary Brazilian art and discover a garden with 30 excellent sculptural works. In addition, there are several museums and sculptures in this vibrant city.
Singapore
The city-state of Singapore is perhaps better known as one of the world’s leading financial centers. On the other hand, the art scene is also quite impressive! You will find the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Singapore Art Museum and the National Gallery Singapore. The largest collection of Southeast Asian art in the world is displayed here!
In addition, the city is full of other interesting museums. But it is also an opportunity to just walk the streets and see the beautiful public sculptures. You will encounter them everywhere in the city!
New York City, USA
Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Art; there is just too much to list everything. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum impresses both inside and out with its cylindrical exterior and modern interior. And of course, it offers a huge collection of art from all eras. Still not satisfied? Then go to MoMA, or choose from the many other museums that downtown New York City has to offer.
Paris, France
With more than 1000 art galleries scattered around the city, Paris is a mecca for art lovers. For example, visit the well-known art museums such as the Louvre; a must-do on any art lover’s list. Or go for the newcomers like La Maison Rouge and Modus Art Gallery. You can also stroll around Montmartre or settle there in your spare time to see different artists at work. In this city you will find a museum or artist area in almost every corner. Just following your nose is enough!
No matter what art you love, there is always a city that meets your needs. If you are getting a little closer to home, a weekend away is a great option. If you prefer to go to the United States or South America, you can visit one of the many art cities on your trip. Enough choice in the selection of cities with the most beautiful works of artn!