Virtual Tours You Can Take From Your Couch

If you’re anything like me, you’re feeling a teeny-tiny bit absolutely-going-out-of-your-mind with stress stir-crazy. But, friendly reminder, KEEP YOUR GORGEOUS ASS INDOORS. 

While this sheltering in place is not easy for any of us, there are so many organizations across the globe offering services to make it just a bit easier. While binge-watching shows and reading is great, if you need to keep things ~spicy~ here is a short list of museums and exhibits offering virtual looks at their in-person offerings. 

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium has several live cams going of their sea-creature exhibits! I highly recommend the Jelly Cam or Moon Jelly Cam if you need to really zone out and watch some relaxing af jellyfish float on by. Seriously, I cannot emphasize enough how relaxing these live cams are. Jellies not your thing? Go for the shark cam, making every week Shark Week. 

2. Hands down, one of the coolest online exhibits I found was The British Museum’s virtual tour. Seriously, this website is not to be missed. It’s super interactive, with content ranging from art to design, living and identity, to religion and belief throughout history and the world. 

3. The National Museum of African American History & Culture has an amazing array of exhibits open to explore virtually. All of the Smithsonian museums are offering a great deal of online access, but I find this museum particularly inspiring and educational. 

4. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is going live on Facebook everyday at 3pm EST, showcasing different animals and giving great informational sessions. They also have a bunch of saved videos that are so great (Fiona the Hippo has 4 seasons worth of videos. You’re welcome.)

5. For all my historical romance fans, The Underpinnings Museum has put their current and previous exhibits online for your viewing pleasure! This museums explores the history of lingerie and undergarments, and offers both gorgeous and fascinating content (I never knew I could be so into the concept of hats as underwear, but here we are). 

6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has 26 exhibits available online, and you can click through as though you were walking through the actual rooms.  

7. During these trying times, I think we could all benefit from some flowers that look like vulvas at this Georgian O’Keeffe Museum online exhibit. 

8. The Vatican Museums in Rome are offering 360° tours of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and their multitude of sculpture and painting exhibits. 

None of these tickle your fancy? Here are some similar lists with countless other museums offering up some art, animals, or history to keep you sane.  

Happy exploring!