Explore a selection of the most enthralling art galleries and museums at our European destinations, each carefully chosen by our expert Concierges.
The State Russian Museum
Set in the heart of former Imperial capital St. Petersburg, and with an additional branch in Madrid, the State Russian Museum’s focus is entirely on Russian art, from Orthodox icons to more contemporary works in a range of media. Take a virtual wander through the stunning Italianate spaces that comprise this cultural institution – including the Mikhailovsky and Marble Palaces, the Benois Wing and the Summer Garden – and make plans to discover their treasures in person from Hotel Astoria at a later date.
Uffizi Galleries
Set on the Piazza della Signoria mere moments from Hotel Savoy, the Uffizi Galleries house one of Italy’s most important art collections within their frescoed halls and colonnaded galleries. One of Italy’s first modern museums, it was initially formed to showcase the Medici dynasty’s collections and has been open to visitors since the 16th century. Avoid the crowds and take a virtual walk through this landmark, passing Renaissance gems such as Da Vinci’s Annunciation and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. Make sure you keep looking up, as the ceilings are artworks in themselves.
The National Gallery
Dominating London’s Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is one of the world’s most-visited art museums and its compact collection of around 2,300 pieces showcases a vast range of artistic movements. Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces from across Europe with a Google Street View of its interiors or tour 18 rooms housing over 300 works with the option to bring up more detailed information on each painting. For the truly digitally-savvy, strap on a VR headset for an immersive tour of the Sainsbury Wing. This enthralling experience can also be enjoyed in person from Brown’s Hotel, which is located nearby.
Städel Museum
One of the oldest museums in Frankfurt’s prestigious Museumsufer (museum embankment) and just minutes from Villa Kennedy, the 4,000m² Städel Museum houses over 3,000 paintings, 660 sculptures, 4,600 photographs and an overwhelming 100,000 drawings and prints. Encompassing 700 years of European art, including Late Gothic and Baroque masterpieces known around the world, there is a world of movements, themes and techniques to explore. Search the impressive online collection ahead of your visit.
Alte Nationalgalerie
Situated on Berlin’s Museum Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and not far from Hotel de Rome, this striking gallery that’s built to resemble a Greek temple is simply unmissable. It’s home to Neoclassical, Romantic, Biedermeier, Impressionist and early Modernist artworks spanning the 19th century. A number of online exhibitions will grant you a taste of what’s on offer before your visit.
The blooms of Munich’s Old Botanical Garden fill the city air with a sweet aroma. At the edge of this green lung sits The Charles Hotel, whose recently refreshed rooms capture the garden’s essence. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, takes us through the finer details.
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
