8 Must-visit Travel Destinations for every Art Lover

Sometimes, you don’t want to spend your vacation laying around on a beach. If you’re an art lover, you might be looking for a city that can provide you with a vibrant arts scene filled with unique culture and great collections. Luckily, there are plenty of cities throughout the world that offer just that. Ready to plan an art-oriented vacation? Start by taking a look at these eight cities, which offer world-class museums, one-of-a-kind collections, and must-see displays.

1. Berlin, Germany

This European city is a leader when it comes to art. It’s filled with great art venues, new architecture, cutting-edge exhibits and high-end art galleries. A priority while you’re there should be the Museumsinsel, also known as the Museum Island, which is a complex of five museums on the site of an original city settlement.

This UNESCO World Heritage arts center features the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), celebrated for its German and French Impressionist paintings, plus works by celebrated German artists like Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Caspar David Friedrich, Max Lieberman, and Berlin’s own Adolph von Menzel. The island plays host, as well, to the Altes Museum (Old Museum), dedicated to antiquities from Rome and Greece, and the Pergamonmuseumm, named after the fascinating 180 BC Greek temple it houses.

2. Florence, Italy

Florence has attracted visitors for centuries – its art not only lies in museums, but also resides in the architecture displayed throughout the city. The palaces scattered throughout Florence are built with local stone, and they take on a certain magnificence when day breaks and when the sun sets; their muted colors glow in this light. Also, take time to walk along the Arno, which offers views that travelers have been admiring for more than 700 years. And, of course, you’ll want to stop by the Uffizi, located in the heart of the city, known as Piazza della Signoria, which holds some of the most admirable works of Italian Renaissance art.

3. New York City

The Metropolitan, The Guggenheim, The Whitney Museum of American Art, the Modern and the Chelsea Galleries are just a few of the art attractions that New York has to offer. But, if you’re looking to go a little off the beaten path to get your art fix, try the PS1 Center for Contemporary Art, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, International Center for Photography, The Brooklyn Museum and Williamsburg and Brooklyn Galleries.

4. Cordoba, Spain

The Mezquita-Catedral (mosque-cathedral) is a great place to begin – it’s one of the greatest mosques ever built. It’s a beautiful building that has a lot of cultural significance. It symbolizes the many religious changes that Cordoba has been through over the centuries. Most of its art and architecture can be attributed to the work of Islamic architects, who originally built it as a mosque in the eighth century. Also, be sure to take in the beautiful jasmine-, geranium-, and orange blossom-filled patios, as well as the uniquely-built Renaissance palaces. There are also two dozen churches, convents, and hermitages that are absolutely worth exploring.

5. Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City offers visitors ample choices when it comes to its art scene. You’ll want to check out the Art Institute of Chicago, a museum that greets you with two iconic lion statues, which hosts one of the world’s most impressive collection of Impressionist paintings, as well as works created by Picasso, Dali, Pollock, and Warhol. There’s also the Museum of Contemporary Art – you can expect to see a mix of paintings, sculptures, and photography. Chicago even offers some niche museums, including the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Oriental Institute Museum. Don’t forget to take time to walk by The Loop. It includes an untitled Picasso piece, Miro’s Chicago, Chagall’s Four Seasons, and Calder’s Flamingo.

6. LagunaBeach, California

Known as an artistic haven, this beachside town is filled with museums, art galleries and events. Check out the Laguna Art Museum, which features permanent collections, special exhibits and educational programs. This museum is also unique for that fact that it only collects California art (but includes many different periods and styles). You’ll also find art galleries scattered through the city, as well as fun events such as First Thursdays ArtWalk, a monthly art event that is free to the public and celebrates the city’s diverse cultural art scene. If you happen to be there during July or August, you will also be able to take in the Festivals of the Arts, including the Pageant of the Masters, which has real-life reenactments of famous paintings. An event dedicated to promoting the art created in Laguna Beach, the Sawdust Festival, also occurs every summer and winter.

7. Milan, Italy

Known as the business capital of Italy, this city is also a great destination for art lovers. It holds Italy’s most renowned opera house, La Scala, which was built in 1778. One of its most unique features is the concave channel under the wooden floor of the orchestra, credited to giving the theater great acoustics. Milan is also central to Italian fashion and design, a great thing for any art enthusiast who also loves to shop!

Let’s also not overlook the fact that you’ll be able to find Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, along with many other famous artists’ pieces. There are also many unique and somewhat hidden artistic displays scattered throughout the city.

8. Phoenix, Arizona

This Arizona city is oozing with great art. Start with the Phoenix Art Museum, and then be sure to follow up with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. For designers traveling to Phoenix, a must-see destination is Taliesin West, which is where Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home resides. Many of Wright’s most famous works were designed in the drafting room at Taliesin West.

There are also galleries and artist studios that can be found throughout the city. Finally, if you’re hoping to take in some free art in the form of beautiful views, drive through the Apache Trail. Look out for great sites throughout the scenic route, including the Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield Ghost Town and Theodore Roosevelt Dam.