Top 11 Virtual Museums You Can Visit Right Now for Free

In 2025, museum walls have become optional. You don’t need a plane ticket to Paris or a tour group in Rome to stand before some of the world’s most treasured art and artifacts.

Thanks to the evolution of virtual museum technology, initially sparked by necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and now expanded by demand, you can now stroll through galleries, zoom in on brushstrokes, and explore ancient wonders all from your screen. Free.

These aren’t clunky 2008-style slideshows either. We’re talking 360-degree views, zoomable high-resolution scans, audio-guided walkthroughs, and in some cases, even virtual reality compatibility.

Below is a list of the top virtual museums offering free access right now. Every single one brings something special to the table.

1. The British Museum – London, UK

With more than 8 million artifacts, the British Museum’s virtual tour lets you walk through the iconic Great Court and deep into history – from ancient Egypt to classical Greece.

Ideal if you’re obsessed with ancient civilizations or want to explore humanity’s roots in an organized, clickable format.

2. Vatican Museums – Vatican City

Their 360-degree online experience puts you right under Michelangelo’s ceiling with zero elbow jostling. You can also wander through Raphael’s Rooms and other areas usually packed with tourists.

An art pilgrimage without the plane. Perfect for lovers of Renaissance art and religious history.

3. The Louvre – Paris, France

Explore exhibits like “Masterpieces of the Louvre” or the elegant Egyptian Antiquities wing. The virtual walk-throughs feel sleek and immersive, especially on a big screen.

Best enjoyed slowly, glass of wine in hand.

4. The Met – New York City, USA

From the Temple of Dendur to abstract modern sculptures, The Met has it all. The Met 360 Project offers sweeping visual experiences, while Google Arts & Culture fills in the details.

Great for anyone craving depth and variety in one spot.

5. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – South Korea

Korea’s leading modern museum showcases boundary-pushing installations, abstract pieces, and thoughtful exhibitions from contemporary Asian artists.

If you’re curious about what modern art looks like outside New York or Paris, start here.

6. Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam, Netherlands

@monica.ibarraa Amsterdam must do : Van Gogh Museum Tip: buy your tickets in advance! You’ll learn about the life and artistic journey of the iconic Dutch painter through his masterpieces. #amsterdam #amsterdammustdo #amsterdamactivities ♬ dont be so shy – 𝓚.

The Van Gogh Museum lets you get up close to works like “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom” with zoomable scans that highlight every thick, expressive line.

It’s a quiet, emotional journey, just you and Vincent.

7. National Gallery of Art – Washington, D.C., USA

With works from Raphael to Rothko, the National Gallery’s digital setup is perfect for casual browsing or structured learning. Plus, you can catch online lectures and curator notes.

Perfect for anyone who wants both beautiful art and brainy context.

8. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Washington, D.C., USA

On this day in 1954, the NACA delivered this Northrop P-61C Black Widow to the Smithsonian. The Black Widow was the first U.S. aircraft designed to locate and destroy enemy aircraft at night and in bad weather, thanks to on-board radar: https://t.co/skVUdZHOUz pic.twitter.com/TDzZJ6y4vg

— National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) August 10, 2025

One of the most beloved museums in the U.S., it brings the excitement of space and aviation right to your fingertips with stunning visuals and interactive views.

A must for science lovers and future astronauts.

9. Guggenheim Museum – New York City, USA

The spiral architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design is captured beautifully in the virtual tour, which winds past modern classics from Cézanne to Kandinsky.

Great if you’re into design, space, and abstract art.

10. The J. Paul Getty Museum – Los Angeles, USA

You get panoramic views of galleries full of European masterpieces alongside virtual strolls through the Getty’s peaceful gardens and sweeping hilltop vistas.

Perfect for when you need visual beauty and a bit of calm.

11. Musée d’Orsay – Paris, France

Set inside a converted railway station, the Musée d’Orsay houses iconic works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and many more. Even online, the interplay between the space and the artwork is striking.

Best enjoyed slowly, especially if you’re drawn to light, color, and 19th-century Paris.

More Worth Exploring

A few honorable mentions that also offer free virtual access:

Why You Should Give These Virtual Tours a Go

Virtual museums have changed the game. They’ve leveled the playing field; whether you live in a rural town or a busy city, whether you’re studying from home or just looking for inspiration, you can access the same cultural treasures as someone in Paris or New York.

They’re also a great way to preview a future trip, entertain curious kids, or unwind in a meaningful way.

And best of all? Most of them are totally free.

So grab your headphones, set your screen to full-size, and get lost in something beautiful.

For the best experience, visit these tours on a laptop or tablet. Some are mobile-friendly, but a larger screen makes a big difference when viewing details or navigating galleries.

Stay curious. Culture’s just a click away.