Cultural capitals: Must-visit cities for art

Every year, millions of pesos are spent on international flights to select cities just so art lovers can lay their eyes on some of the best works of the greatest artists to have ever walked the earth. These cultural capitals boast world-renowned galleries, iconic museums, and an atmosphere of creativity that attracts travelers with a refined appreciation for art. After all, if an artistic masterpiece is moving, vital, and complete, people from all over the world will flock to see its beauty.

Paris, France

The French capital, often referred to as the City of Love, is a place steeped in art history. Ever since the revolution that led to political and social change, Paris has been a hub for artistic innovation pulling many aspiring artists from all over Europe to French provinces and becoming central to the development of Romanticism in art.

Today, the city is home to over 500 galleries, more than 60 art museums and institutions as well as several art fairs. Among these institutions is the world-famous Louvre which houses an unparalleled collection of masterpieces including Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Eugene Dela Croix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Michelangelo Caravvagio’s Death of the Virgin to name a few.

New York City, USA

The Big Apple is a global center of finance, culinary, technology, and of course, the arts. With over 55,000 artists residing in the city, New York is a place where one can not only see the art but connect and interact with their creators as well.

The “City that Never Sleeps” also has a deep concentration of artistic institutions with over 1,000 galleries along with nearly 80 museums that contain Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Rembrandt van Rijn’s Self Portrait, and Claude Monet’s The Water Lily Pond as part of their collection.

Additionally, other types of art can be experienced within the city such as Broadway being the world’s premier performance art spot, the Empire State Building as an architectural wonder, and the Statue of Liberty, a sculptural symbol to Americans today.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan has always been a cultural haven that has seamlessly blended its traditional art forms with the modern vibrant art scene that they have today. With Tokyo as the heart of the nation’s artistic evolution, the Japanese have successfully transitioned from the symmetrical and pleasing Ukiyo-e, Origami, and Fukinsei aesthetics to today’s beloved and anticipated mangas and animes.

While there are only little over 60 art museums and galleries throughout the city, the uniqueness and sheer quality of the works that they house more than make up for the lack of quantity. Fujishima Takeji’s Sunrise over the Eastern Sea, Hokusai’s The Great Wave Off Kanagawa, and Hiroshi Yoshida’s Fuji from Kawaguchi Lake all reside in Tokyo or its surrounding prefectures. Furthermore, museums where they bring anime to life are also located in the city with Studio Ghibli Museum as the premier destination.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The capital of Van Gogh and Rembrandt’s home nation also deserves its title as a cultural capital, as it is home to some of the two artists’ greatest works such as Van Gogh’s The Potato Eaters, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and several of their self-portraits. Aside from these two artists, Amsterdam boasts Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Frans Hals’ The Merry Drinker, and a stunning collection of works by Piet Mondrian.

Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Amsterdam Museum headline over 90 art institutions and galleries scattered across the city. Additionally, Amsterdam has a municipal art collection – meaning several famous paintings are the property of the city which, in itself, is a site to behold.

Honorable mentions

While some cities dominate the spotlight as cultural capitals, several honorable mentions around the world offer equally rich artistic experiences. Berlin captivates with its contemporary art scene and historical treasures, and the Vatican City stands as a cradle of religious art. The intricate design of Chinese art culminates in Hong Kong, while the art of the people of Pretoria, South Africa showcases the oldest known in the world.

Art transcends borders, time, and cultures, and these cities represent the peak of human creativity and beauty. For those seeking to witness the masterpieces that define the human race’s collective imagination, these destinations are not just places on a map—they are gateways to inspiration.