Virtual Museum Tours: Explore London & New York Museums from Home
- Jennifer Stephens
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Is it time for a virtual field trip?
Imagine strolling through the British Museum or The Met, without stepping on a plane or navigating a crowd. Virtual museum tours have revolutionized the way we experience art and history, making world-class exhibits accessible with just a click. Whether you're an art lover, a curious traveler, or an educator, these digital experiences offer rich and immersive insights from the comfort of your own home.
What Is a Virtual Museum Tour?
A virtual museum tour is an online experience that allows you to explore exhibits either through self-guided navigation or narrated sessions led by curators and experts. Some are interactive, some are pre-recorded, and many are entirely free. For premium access, like live docents or behind-the-scenes peeks--expect to pay up to $25. These tours are hosted directly on museum websites, YouTube, or other platforms, such as Google Arts & Culture.
Top Virtual Museum Tours in London & New York
One of the world's most iconic institutions, the British Museum provides virtual access to its exhibits through its website and Google Arts & Culture. Highlights include narrated walkthroughs of the Enlightenment Gallery and ancient artifacts from Egypt, Rome, and Mesopotamia. The digital tour features clickable artifacts with detailed descriptions, making it an ideal resource for learners of all ages. Check out the book Treasures of the British Museum
Visitors can virtually roam the National Gallery's breathtaking halls through 360-degree tours and YouTube-hosted curator talks. The "Virtual Vermeer" experience is especially popular, showcasing Dutch masterpieces with expert insights. Commemorate your virtual visit with this art book.
The Met offers an extensive virtual gallery experience, including the famous Temple of Dendur and period rooms. For deeper access, the "Met 150" program provides exclusive content for donors (starting around $25 annually), including live sessions and curator interviews. Improve your experience with this beautiful book.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum features modern and contemporary art in its iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed spiral building. Through its website and Google Arts & Culture, users can enjoy virtual gallery walks, archived exhibitions, and multimedia content about artists like Kandinsky and Picasso.
The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles offers a remarkable virtual tour experience highlighting its European paintings, sculptures, and architecture. Users can explore the Getty’s lush gardens and detailed high-resolution artwork via Google Arts & Culture and the museum’s digital exhibitions.
How to Participate
To begin a virtual tour:
Visit the museum's official website or Google Arts & Culture.
Choose a tour format: 3D walkthrough, narrated video, or interactive exhibit.
Use a smart device, such as a tablet, VR headset, or smart TV, for the best experience.
Why Virtual Tours Are Worth It
No crowds -- explore at your own pace.
Pause, rewind, replay -- ideal for learning.
Accessibility -- great for those with mobility challenges or living far from major cities.
Educational -- perfect for classroom use, homeschooling, or self-guided learning.
Budget-friendly -- many tours are free or low-cost.
Entertainment--virtual tours make an excellent activity on inclement weather days.
There is nothing better than an actual visit to a great museum, but if you are looking for a rainy day, affordable field trip, this might be a great way to spend the day!
Tips for the Best Virtual Tour
Use full-screen mode to minimize distractions.
Enable captions when available for accessibility.
Pair yours with educational podcasts or reading materials.
Encourage family or friends to join; virtual tours make great group activities.
Ready to explore? Grab a guidebook or sketchpad, set up your device, and immerse yourself in the arts--no passport required.
Virtual Headsets can enhance virtual tours.
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