More now than ever before many families are looking for interesting activities to keep their children productive and entertained while staying inside. While TV, video games and TikTok are leading the pop culture’s consumption, it is important not to forget the power of art. Its contemplation has proven to stimulate serotonin levels in the brain and improve overall well-being, driving mindfulness and enriching our creative spirit. 

Here is a roundup of art galleries offering virtual tours for the whole family to enjoy.

Getty Museum courtyard

Getty Museum

The Getty Museum in Los Angeles exhibits a variety of art works from ancient Greek and Roman art to works by Vincent Van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The museum offers virtual tours which allow you to learn about the timeless art pieces. Plus, the museum has just launched a digital QR code based function for Animal Crossinggamers to upload art from its catalogue and add an artsy touch to their avatar world. To explore the Getty Museum head to http://www.getty.edu/art/

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art showcases masterfully curated art collections from both antiquity and pop-culture. LACMA is currently undergoing major construction as they plan to open the much anticipated David Geffen Galleries in 2021.  During the current stay at home orders, LACMA has rolled out LACMA @ Home offering exclusive video content, blogs and much more, including free virtual art backgrounds for your Zoom calls! Check out LACMA @ Home here https://www.lacma.org/.

The Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena

The Norton Simon

The Norton Simon, once known as the Pasadena Art Institute, exhibits an impressive collection of European and Asian work. While its peaceful sculpture gardens are currently inaccessible, the museum has made a number of resources available on their website. On their Museum from Home, visitors can browse their digital archive, learn from recorded lectures and videos, find art projects for kids and more. They even have a space for meditative moments to find peace and calm from wherever you are. Explore here their digital offerings here https://www.nortonsimon.org

Hammer Museum

Hammer Museum

The Hammer museum is affiliated with UCLA. Along with its exhibitions highlighting historically over-looked and emerging contemporary artists, the space is well known for hosting a wide array of events throughout the year. On the Watch + Listen section of their website, they are offering recordings of many of the programs they presented in the past including lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and performances. Get inspired: https://hammer.ucla.edu/watch-and-listen