Planning a trip? Adding Time for Art Can Enrich Your Travels

 ~ Carol van Ahlers

   For some travelers, experiencing art isn’t an optional museum or gallery stop—it’s a highlight of their entire trip. Could including 'art adventures' on your next trip be a possibility? If you haven't considered it yet, I'd like to point out some of its benefits. Whether planning around a major exhibit or stumbled upon unexpectedly, expanding your time to look for and include art appreciation can create a deeper connection to the culture and history of those places you visit. 

    For me, I first discovered the value of having art be a focus of my travels in 2023 when I planned a trip to Amsterdam and, by sheer luck, my travels lined up with one of the most talked-about art events occurring at that time—a once-in-a-lifetime Johannes Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum. Nearly all of the known works of this Dutch painter, including The Milkmaid and Girl with a Pearl Earring, were gathered under one roof. I managed to snag tickets a few days before it sold out. Having the chance to see so many masterpieces together—works usually scattered across the world—was unforgettable. While moments like that can be 'happy accidents', with a little research you can increase your odds of having them more often and learning ahead of special art exhibits.

The Milk Maid, Johannes Vermeer, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 2023  

 Some ways to do this - look for announcements from museums where you'll be traveling. Places like the Louvre, MoMA, the Tate, or the Getty often reveal their shows months (or even a year)  in advance. Signing up for their newsletters or following them on social media will give you a head start. (We like 'Breakfast with Art News', a free daily newsletter offering a variety of art info). Art publications like The Art Newspaper, Artsy, or Apollo Magazine are additional online sources listing what's coming up around the globe. Websites and apps such as Trip Advisor, Tiqet, Viator and Airbnb Experiences are resources for potential events occurring in areas where you'll be traveling and a good place to check for tickets. 

   Of course, memorable art adventures can also be unplanned. A quiet local gallery tucked into a side street, a temporary mural going up on a city wall, or a pop-up sculpture garden in a public square. Look for these opportunities as well, they can take you by surprise and leave a lasting impression. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can provide a quick look into local happenings as well. 

Instagram is a great source to discover art events happening in your destination.

   Whether flying to a location across the world or adding a museum stop on a short itinerary, including time and space for art can enrich your experience. You’ll be exposed to artists' creativity and perspective all from the unique points of view of your destination's culture. You may find that these highlights become the stories you remember long after you return home.