Recommended Website:
FREE Virtual Art Museum
NOTE TO PARENTS: Please read my cautionary note below BEFORE you visit this website.
This website provides a stunning virtual museum featuring an unconventional collection of European painting and sculpture from the 12th to mid-20th centuries. Use the searchable database to find artwork by artists including Boticelli, Cezanne, Dali, DaVinci, Gauguin, Manet, Michelangelo, Picasso, Rembrandt, Renoir, and more.
When you get to the site you’ll see some featured artwork. Click on any icon to see a larger image – or click on the artist’s name with the word “portfolio” to launch a virtual museum where you can see the entire collection of the artist’s work included in this online exhibit. You have to wait a minute for the download, but your patience will pay off. You’ll see what looks like a virtual art gallery on your screen. Click on the individual icon paintings to see a larger image that includes the name of the artwork and the artist. A few are accompanied by brief text that explain more about the artist and their work.
If you prefer, you can bypass the featured exhibits and use the menu bar at the top of the homepage to search for a particular artwork, artists, styles, media, or topic/subject. Once you find one of interest – you can launch the virtual museum with a click of your mouse.
This is an impressive archive and a useful resource for finding information on art, artists and art history.
PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED: Parents, as always, should PREVIEW this site to determine suitability of content. Some of the masterpieces featured here can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. However, there are artistic renderings that may be inappropriate for children and/or may make some adults uncomfortable. Just so you know, the landing page features over 20 paintings including those with religious theme’s such as Boticelli’s “Madonna and Child.” These are featured right along with artist Francis Picabia’s “Nude From Back” and Modigliani’s “Nude on a Blue Cushion.” Again, PARENTAL DISCRETION IS REQUIRED.
