artists and travel

Travel and Art

Explore transport and travel through the eyes of artists

Planes, trains and automobiles

Expeditions and maps, on your bike, take a walk, artists on holiday, explore more themes, fahrelnissa zeid: city by city.

Follow the international artist’s creative journey through each of the cities she spent time in

Patricia Belli – The Scar of the Skin

Join visual artist Patricia Belli and discover what her artwork means to her

Thao Nguyen Phan – 'My reflections on the history of Vietnam, the poetry of daily life'

Step inside the studio of artist Thao Nguyen Phan and discover her mesmerising, poetic work

Sol Calero Goes Travelling in Latin America

The artist explores themes of representation and identity through colourful, immersive installations

Concorde L449-15

Hommage à chrysler corp., tram on westminster bridge, concentric bearings b, king’s cross station, london, red arrow bus, french engine, locomotive wheel, united kingdom, escaped animals, water, selected, ithaca mirror trail, ithaca, new york, the north-west passage, a journey that wasn’t, the last voyage of henry hudson, a hundred mile walk.

Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. Francis Bacon

Lubaina Himid CBE RA Between the Two my Heart is Balanced (1991) Tate

© Lubaina Himid, courtesy the artist and Hollybush Gardens, London

B.S.A. Tour of Britain Racer Enlarged to 135%

Joseph beuys, ‘is it about a bycicle’, cycle racing, five-man pedersen (prototype no.1), michael balling up old net, outside kampala, photograph of an unidentified boy playing with bicycle parts, colour photograph of the shadow of a bicycle on the pavement, a line made by walking, performance still, the commuters, laundromat-locomotion (walking in suit), walking dream with four foot clamp, the walking man diary, marching figures.

Julian Trevelyan Canal Holidays (1975) Tate

© The estate of Julian Trevelyan

It's very important for inspiration to go elsewhere: to move away from the city into pastoral settings, and to make space for meditation. Isaac Julien

Feet on Holiday I

The last resort 40, incidents 025, black mirror, st ives beach, from the pleasure principle, study for ‘the seaside’, rio de janeiro, brazil, 1967, couple eating fish and chips, whitley bay, tyneside, photograph of mollie gordon sunbathing by the pool in puerto de la cruz, tenerife.

My favorite thing is to go where I've never been. Diane Arbus

Tracey Emin Monument Valley (Grand Scale) (1995–7) Tate

© Tracey Emin

It sometimes takes a foreigner to come and see a place and paint it. I remember someone saying they had never really noticed the palm trees here until I painted them. David Hockney

Land art or earth art is art that is made directly in the landscape, sculpting the land itself into earthworks or making structures in the landscape using natural materials such as rocks or twigs

Psychogeography

Psychogeography describes the effect of a geographical location on the emotions and behaviour of individuals

Journeys Coursework Guide

From physical journeys and migration to journeys of self-discovery, get ideas and inspiration about journeys in art

Family and Art

Uncover how artists have responded to the idea of family through art

Queer Lives and Art

Discover LGBTQ artists and queer art

Migration and Art

Explore how artists reflect on moving to new places

Black Identities and Art

Discover Black art and artists in Tate's collection

Weather and Art

Explore how artists respond to the seasons and our changing environment

10 Great Travel Destinations for Art Lovers

From a japanese art island to a creative colony among ancient olive groves in israel, these are the global art towns, big and small, we’d happily visit..

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Art meets nature at Brazil’s Instituto Inhotim, home to one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the country.

Photo by Brendon Campos

New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Los Angeles, Florence, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, São Paulo—these cities are all home to blockbuster art markets, creative superstars, and museums as famous as the works they house. We love these places, but we also love art destinations outside of the art-world orbit: places with an air of mystery, a whiff of a pilgrimage, a winking nonconformity, a love of experimentation, and a tight-knit sense of community.

Read on for 10 great destinations, big and small, art lovers should bookmark for their next vacation.

‘Your Rainbow Panorama’ tops the AroS Art Museum in Aarhus, Denmark.

Photo by Shutterstock

Aarhus, Denmark

In the heart of Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city and one of its oldest (dating to the 8th century), a colossal rainbow ring rises above the city. This is artist Olafur Eliasson’s installation, Your Rainbow Panorama, a walkway circling and capping the ARoS Art Museum, itself a jewel among Aarhus’s many cultural institutions. The museum is home to another art colossus, the crouching Boy sculpture by Australian artist Ron Mueck, and it hosts collections of Danish art from the 18 th century to today, as well as the work of international artists. Art lovers can wander among pieces by London-based, British-Palestinian Mona Hatoum, known for her probing and glowing installations; Japanese photographer Miwa Yanagi; and New York–based Tony Oursler, who has been innovating video and installation art since the 1970s.

In Aarhus, self-dubbed “Smilets By” (Danish for “City of Smiles”) and the “World’s Smallest Big City,” ARoS is just a jumping-off point for a smørrebrød (smorgasbord) of art destinations and happenings. Spiral out from the museum and see the city’s famous modern architecture, such as The Iceberg , a seaside apartment building that lives up to its name, and the grass-covered Moesgaard Museum . We love Charlotte Fogh Gallery , a Danish and international contemporary art gallery; the Højkant art collective and design shop full of cheeky creations; and the intimate PS Art Gallery and studio in a green, half-timbered, 17th-century home in the city’s Latin Quarter.

Juxtapose all this contemporary art and design with Den Gamle By (The Old Town), an open-air folk museum comprised of 75 historic buildings relocated from across Denmark, cobbled streets, and Danes dressed in period clothing baking bread and chopping wood. You can eat an actual smørrebrød here, as well as fried fish and frikadeller (Danish meatballs).

Chris Burden’s ‘Beam Drop’ (2008) was re-created at Inhotim; the original work was on display in New York in 1984.

Brumadinho, Brazil

Brumadinho is home to the Xanadu of the art world: the Instituto Inhotim , a contemporary art museum and sculpture park in a 346-acre private botanical garden founded by mining magnate and art patron Bernardo de Mello Paz.

Celebrating 15 years in 2021, the institute is one of the largest outdoor art spaces in the world, placing hundreds of giants of the art world alongside thousands of giants of the plant world, from octopus agave to ponytail palm and swamp cypress. The garden hosts more than 700 works by 60 artists, including Brazil’s own beloved boundary-defying Hélio Oiticica. As Oiticica intended, visitors can walk through his Magic Square #5 (1977), a colorful abstracted “public plaza” built of cement, glass, and stone. You could spend weeks wandering the grounds, a crash course in modern and contemporary large-scale art, studying the likes of Elisa Bracher’s eucalyptus and cedar wood Embrionário , going tête-à-tête with Paul McCarthy’s Pinocchio Block Head , gazing through Olafur Eliasson’s mirrored Viewing Machine, and falling in love with your own reflection at Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden Inhotim, 750 stainless steel orbs bobbing in a reflecting pool.

While the garden is the main draw, Instituto Inhotim has many noteworthy pieces in its indoor gallery as well, such as the blue-and-white tile room Celacanto provoca maremoto by Adriana Varejão , the sci-fi-inspired plant and mirror maze structure Vegetation Room Inhotim by Cristina Iglesias , and the enforested glass geodesic dome by Matthew Barney .

There are several places to eat across the sculpture park and the institute has many recommendations for nearby lodging, including Villa Rica , decorated with local art, or Villa Domaso , surrounded by lush nature.

Zeitz MOCAA has become a destination unto itself in Cape Town, South Africa.

Photo by Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

Cape Town, South Africa

Rising from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain as a backdrop, is the world’s largest museum devoted to contemporary African art: the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa , commonly known as Zeitz MOCAA. First things first, the museum itself is a marvel , a towering structure revamped from the historic Grain Silo Complex with an interior that looks like an abstracted concrete-and-glass honeycomb.

Zeitz MOCAA is home to works by some of the continent’s leading artists such as Athi-Patra Ruga and Mary Sibande of South Africa, Njideka Akunyili Crosby of Nigeria, Ghada Amer of Egypt, and Nandipha Mntambo of Swaziland. The permanent collection also includes works by artists of the African Diaspora, like Kehinde Wiley and Frohawk Two Feathers, both of the U.S.

But Cape Town was an artist’s haven long before the arrival of MOCAA in 2017. The Woodstock neighborhood alone, with its pink town hall, is home to several renowned galleries dedicated to contemporary African artists including SMAC , Goodman Gallery , Stevenson Gallery (all of which have sister galleries in another top South African art destination, Johannesburg).

Cape Town is also delightfully crowded with public art, such as Es Devlin’s installation Zoetrope at the Waterfront and Arch for Arch, a woven wooden structure next to St. George’s Cathedral that honors Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The organization Baz Art hosts the annual International Public Art Festival , which in 2021 focused on painting murals in the Salt River neighborhood . There are also several art road trips worth taking from the Cape. Drive inland through mountainous wine country (many of the vineyards you’ll pass have their own fantastic art collections) to Stellenbosch, an oak-lined university town packed with art studios and the awe-inspiring Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden .

Mismatched pastel buildings that look like scoops of gelato along the water in Collioure, France.

Photo by Pani Garmyder/Shutterstock

Collioure, France

Legend has it that Henri Matisse said the quality of light is just different— magical —in Collioure, a laidback and ancient fishing town on the French Mediterranean 15 miles from Spain. Matisse and André Derain would summer here and become the first fauves (French for “wild beasts”), leaders of fauvism, the early 19th-century art movement known for its bold colors and brushstrokes, an unruly descendent of Impressionism. Matisse’s famous Open Window (1905) and Derain’s Fishing Boats (1905) were painted here, among many more fauvist works.

Collioure’s very petit harbor still captures the brilliant sunlight, bouncing off a 13 th -century castle and fortress and layers of mismatched pastel buildings that look like scoops of gelato along the water. Visitors can see the town through the artists’ perspectives along the Chemin du Fauvism, which features both empty bronze frames that outline the views of their most famous canvases, as well as reproductions. The Maison du Fauvism offers guided tours.

Keep cool with an actual scoop of gelato—countless gelaterias line the streets and try a bite of Catalan fare at Le Neptune overlooking the bay or the Templiers restaurant and hotel, a cozy spot with a bar made from a ship hull and walls lined salon-style with paintings.

Bronze sculptures by the residents of Ein Hod, Israel, dot the surrounding landscape.

Photo by Leonid Radashkovsky/Shutterstock

Ein Hod, Israel

Within hilly olive groves, tucked between the Mediterranean sea and Mount Carmel, is Ein Hod , a small artist colony established in 1953 by artist Marcel Janco , one of the founders of the avant-garde dada movement, which formed in reaction to World War I. Legend has it that Janco toured Israel, sketchbook in hand, and stumbled across the then-abandoned village and found it could be the perfect refuge for artists.

Today Ein Hod , 12 miles south of Haifa, has about 650 residents—mostly painters, sculptors, jewelers, architects, and artisans—and the landscape is dotted with their handiwork: outdoor bronze sculptures (look for Couple in a Sardine Can by Ben Levy), murals, studios, galleries, and workshops that offer classes for visitors. See the abstract colorations of Miriam-Ruth Sernoff Frohlich at the Sernoff-Frohlich Gallery Of Fine Art , the soulful book art of Nechama Levendel at the Karoyan Gallery , and the work of many locals under one roof at the Artists Gallery Ein Hod .

This tiny bohemian enclave is also home to two museums, the Nisco Museum of Mechanical Music and the Janco-Dada Museum , created in 1983 to honor the work and vision of the colony’s founder. This museum features the restored stone-arch studio of Janco and the DadaLab , where museumgoers can try their own hand at creating the absurdist, convention-defying art that defined this movement. Since 1990, Ein Hod has hosted an international Sculpture Biennale , inviting artists to install large-scale works outside amid ancient olive trees.

You can eat with the locals in one of the village’s classic stone buildings at Café Ein Hold. While larger hotels are available in nearby Haifa, Ein Hod itself offers a handful of quaint and eclectic apartments for rent, many with views of the Mediterranean.

Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art is

Photo by C. de la Cruz/Shutterstock

Hobart, Tasmania

Looking out from the Berriedale peninsula onto the River Derwent is the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), or as founder—businessman, art collector, and high-stakes gambler David Walsh—calls it: a subversive adult Disneyland.

MONA is as irreverent as its benefactor, its website describing the museum’s everchanging identity as a “really elaborate marketing stunt” and “somewhere people can come to say ‘not sure about the art but the architecture is amazing.’”

And many are not sure about the art : MONA has the work of some of the biggest shock jocks of the art world: Hermann Nitsch’s bloody 6-Day-Play videos and Wim Delvoye’s stinking waste machine that is Cloaca Professional, to name a few.

Regardless of your take, the museum has helped put Hobart’s art scene on the map, bringing deserved attention to other art spaces like the Art Mob , which specializes in Tasmanian and Australian aboriginal art by the likes of Queenie McKenzie and Dennis Nona. Across the harbor are the contemporary fine art Despard and Handmark galleries, the latter of which is part of the bustling Salamanca Arts Centre , a transformed warehouse space home to several galleries and exhibition spaces, a theater, and the jewelry and metal collective Hammer & Hand , as well as public art such as We Are Made of Stardust by Michaela Gleave and Escape Pod by Colin Langridge. Stay in the neighborhood at the Henry Jones Art Hotel , which features contemporary art by Tasmanian artists in its rooms.

Kilns have been firing in this hilly city of Jingdezhen, China, known as the “Porcelain Capital of the World.”

Photo by CYSUN/Shutterstock

Jingdezhen, China

Leading ceramics artists and students worldwide travel to Jingdezhen, China, the “Porcelain Capital of the World,” where the ruins of ancient kilns meet contemporary factories and galleries. For more than 1,700 years and many imperial reigns, kilns have been firing in this hilly city of Jiangxi province along the Chang River, where ceramic masters have innovated technologies to produce the most coveted china, such as the emblematic blue and white pottery developed during the Ming Dynasty.

The stunning Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum —shaped like ancient kilns in red brick, and the Jingdezhen Ceramic Industry Heritage Museum , help put the expansive history of this art industry in context. The industry, however, is alive and well today, cultivating the next generation of ceramicists at the renowned Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute and employing 30,000 people at outfits like the Porcelain Sculpture Factory in the Eastern suburbs or in the nearby Sanbao International Porcelain Art Village filled with artist studios and workshops. The Pottery Workshop , run by artist and curator Caroline Cheng , is an education center and hub for young artists in Jingdezhen, known as jingpiao . Every Saturday morning, the jingpiao sell their wares—traditional pottery, jewelry, contemporary art—at the Pottery Workshop Creative Market .

Countless ceramic artists and designers have their practices in the city such as Cheng herself, plus Wan Liya , Juz Kitson , Lin Wang , Robin Best , and Ryan LaBar . Walk down the Taoxichuan, known as the Ceramic Art Avenue, to peak into studios, galleries, and markets, and try some classic Jiangxi fare such as Lushan San Shi and fish banquets. The Fairfield by Marriot Jingdezhen hotel is near many of these attractions, and there are a handful of gorgeous Airbnb options .

An art lover’s trip to Japan has to include Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea.

Photo by N_FUJITA/Shutterstock

Naoshima, Japan

There is a string of tiny flecks of land in the Seto Inland Sea that are teaming with museums, architectural marvels, and art installations. Naoshima, commonly referred to as Japan’s art island, home of the Benesse Art Site , leads the pack. Here, massive sculptures such as Lee Ufan’s Porte vers l’infini (2019) and Beatriz Millhaze’s Yellow Flower Dream (2018) dot the landscape creating a fine art playground. (Until recently, one of Yayoi Kusama’s massive pumpkin sculptures sat on a pier before a typhoon swept it out to sea . Benesse Art Site is in the process of restoring it.)

Then there are the museums and galleries: the mind-bending subterranean Chichu Art Museum designed by architect Tadao Ando housing works by Claude Monet and James Turrell; the Benesse House Museum , which melds a hotel and exhibition space with nature (with a restaurant serving kaiseki meals that rival the art for presentation); the kooky art facility Naoshima Bath where—you guessed it—visitors can take a bath surrounded by the artwork of Shinro Ohtake; and the Miyanoura Gallery 6 in the site of a former pachinko parlor once popular with islanders.

If you’re willing to island hop, head to Teshima to see large-format paintings in the Teshima Yokoo House (named for artist Tadanori Yokoo) and Inujima for an art museum housed in a old copper refinery .

You could spend a full day just exploring Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Photo by Fred Mays/Shutterstock

Santa Fe, New Mexico

One of the oldest cities in the U.S. (older than the country itself, with a founding date of 1607) Santa Fe and its iconic pueblo architecture encompass many art scenes and histories, from the vast indigenous collections of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) to the electro-pop experiences of Meow Wolf to the storied career of Georgia O’Keeffe who was so deeply influenced by the New Mexico landscape.

Housed in a historic Peublo Revival-style post office downtown, the IAIA’s Museum of Contemporary Native Arts stewards the National Collection of Contemporary Native Art, featuring 9,000 artworks created since 1962 including pieces by legends such as George Morrison, Helen Hardin, and Fritz Scholder. From here, walk past the Santa Fe Plaza to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to see up-close and personal Black Hollyhock Blue Larkspur (1930), Pelvis IV (1944), and Spring (1948), among others. O’Keeffe fans can stay at the Abiquiú Inn , next to the The O’Keeffe Welcome Center housed in the artist’s former home and residence.

Around Canyon Road, you’ll find 80-plus galleries including Turner Caroll Gallery —whose international roster of artists includes Judy Chicago, Wanxin Zhang, and Swoon; Nedra Matteucci Galleries with its renowned sculpture garden; and the art collective and gallery Cielo Handcrafted , with goods including stoneware ceramics, leather totes, and silver jewelry.

Down Cerrillos Road, follow the neon glow of Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return , an “explorable art experience,” a sort of dayglo haunted house with more than 70 immersive rooms.

The streets of tiny Todos Santos are full of galleries and shops stacked with handmade ceramics, metal work, and beautiful textiles.

Photo by Arturo Verea/Shutterstock

Todos Santos, Mexico

About 50 miles northwest of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula lies the bohemian Todos Santos, oft-compared to a young Taos and one of Mexico’s “ Pueblos Mágicos ” (magical villages), a designation given to places that have preserved their original architecture, traditions, history, and culture. Surrounded by Mexican cardon, the tallest cacti in the world, and azure water where whale sharks pass, Todos Sontos is also home to a thriving artist enclave. February is a prime month to engage the local art scene with the annual weeklong Festival del Art and Todos Santos Open Studio Tour . However, visitors can stroll the old-town cobblestone blocks fluttering with papel picado year-round to see what artists are up to.

A great place to start is La Sonrisa de la Meurta , an international gallery and workshop (with a sister location in Belgium) featuring graphic arts—from limited-edition prints to card decks to handkerchiefs—printed by young and emerging Mexican artists. Nearby (everything is nearby in Todos Santos) are the Galería Arturo with Mexican artist Arturo Mendoza Elfeo ’s whimsical impasto and textured canvases, and Galería Logan , featuring American expat Jill Logan’s dreamy swirling canvases in sunbaked colors. For a historical perspective, stop by the Centro Cultural , housed in a red-brick former school with revolutionary murals dating back nearly a century.

The Hotel San Cristóbal makes for a chic home base in town, while Paradero Todos Santos could be your cultural retreat at the intersection of desert, mountains, and Pacific coast. At the hotel, and beyond, order any fish dish: Todos Santos began as a fishing town and fisherman still take their little panga boats out daily.

>>Next: 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Mix Nature and Culture

Artists’ Beloved Travel Destinations as Seen Through Their Art

Rachel Witte 17 November 2023 min Read

Paul Klee, Garden in St. Germain , The European Quarter Near Tunis , 1914, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, USA.

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Do you miss the summer months and traveling ?  Some of us want to experience the beaches ; others, mountains or even the desert climate. While they may be lesser or well-known travel destinations, below are listed several locations to consider for future travel based on favorite artists’ travel destinations.

Georgia O’Keefe had Hawaii. Many Impressionist artists had the north of France. Edward Hopper loved Cape Cod . Additionally, as you will see below, there were and are many other artists’ travel destinations around the world where they have found inspiration throughout history. Whether they lived in the location they depicted, or were merely passing through, these places left a lasting mark for a reason.

Travel Destinations by the Sea

• Gustav Klimt

The Austrian artist, known for his Art Nouveau style, found respite at Lake Attersee in Austria. While it is very much unlike his portrait paintings, it is a beautiful glimpse of the Austrian landscape.

• Johan Christian Dahl

This particular painting is of an island off the coast of Italy. Today, it is much less crowded than its counterpart, Capri , and offers beautiful beaches and thermal spas to enjoy.

• Edvard Munch

Perhaps Munch’s most famous painting, The Scream , shows a glimpse of a fjord in Norway. Likewise, below is a closer glimpse of a similar landscape featuring a body of water late at night.

• Caspar David Friedrich

Friedrich painted this after a trip to the German island, where he spent his honeymoon. It is typical of Romanticism and the figures are dwarfed by the natural elements surrounding them. Above all, the focus is on the white cliffs overlooking the sea.

Philipp Hackert

This Italian gulf is located just outside of Naples but maintains a life of its own. It is an frequent artists travel destination. That is to say, it is an area rich with history. As is seen below, Hackert depicted a scene looking towards the gulf, including steaming volcanoes in the area.

Travel Destinations with Castles

• Ferdinand Runk

Ferdinand Runk was a German-Austrian landscape painter, etcher, and draftsman. The court artist spent a great deal of time in Český Krumlov. The city, which surrounds the Český Krumlov castle, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.

Künl painted a portion of what is known as “Fish Market” in the capital city of Slovenia. The area is now filled with more charm, because the new merges with the old of the historical market. The Ljubljana Castle sits at the top of a hill in the background of the painting. Unfortunately, now it is closed due to recent events; however, the castle is usually open to the public to visit.

Travel Destinations to the Deserts of the World

Jeroen krabbé.

The Dutch artist, actor, and director Jeroen Krabbé has traveled the world capturing landscapes and more with his paintbrush and camera. His painting below of the Salta region of Argentina showcases that the region offers more than meets the eye. While most people might look to Patagonia for their next trip, why not consider Salta? For example, the area is rich in history, dating back to the Inca Empire.

The Swiss-German artist visited Tunisia with two other artists in 1914 for a brief period. As a result of his trip, Klee found his way as an artist, because the country deeply inspired him. Tunisia sits on North Africa’s coast, with the Mediterranean to the north and the Sahara to the south, and is therefore perfect for anyone looking for adventurous travel destinations. Regardless, travelers often over-look the nation for the more well-known artists travel destinations such as Egypt and Morocco . The capital, Tunis, offers a little something for everyone, for instance, ruins, beaches, and beautiful architecture. Klee’s painting, however, is of the city of Kairouan, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• jacob-philipp-hackert

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Rachel Witte

Rachel is attempting to navigate this crazy world with her two kids, husband, a whole lot of coffee, and some good books in tow. She holds a Master's degree in Art History and a Bachelor's in History. When she's not writing, she can be found day dreaming about traveling to all of the art museums and coffee shops.  

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10 Artists to Inspire Your Travel Illustration Journal

• by @amy.mcgregor

Find out how to bring a destination to life through travel illustration and the top artists to inspire your work

Travel. There’s nothing quite like it. The chance to experience new sights, sounds, and smells, to wander off the beaten track and make new discoveries, or simply kick back and relax for a week on a sun-drenched beach.

When we imagine the far-flung places we’d like to visit, reminisce about past adventures, or indeed, advertise a location to others, we turn to photos as the most powerful medium to capture the essence of a place.

But there is another, equally effective and arguably more creative way to bring a destination to life: travel illustration.

Alex Green ( @algreen_1 ) has been an illustrator for over 25 years and specializes in the art of travel illustration . He has worked in many areas including design, fashion, editorial, murals, websites, and live events, with a varied and enviable list of clients including Airbnb, the BBC, Emirates Airlines, Pfizer, The Guardian , The Financial Times , and Oxfam.

In his Domestika course, he demonstrates how to create travel illustrations that have a sense of place and atmosphere from photographic references of a location, and explains how to apply personal experiences to your illustrations to create pieces with your own vision and interpretation.

What is travel illustration?

Travel illustration is simply the art of drawing a place instead of photographing it. You can use a photo as a reference point, draw inspirational settings in real time as you travel, or recall them from memory.

The aim is not necessarily to copy the location exactly as you see it, but to give it your own interpretation and tell a story by focusing on conveying a particular emotion, theme, or atmosphere.

What are the benefits of travel illustration?

Aside from being a great way to practice your creative skills, illustrating a place allows for more freedom of expression and interpretation, giving you the opportunity to explore the limits of your imagination for a truly unique and personalized result.

It may require more time and patience to complete, but illustration also allows you to really connect with a place, bringing it to life through your drawings and recapturing those precious moments you spent there.

10 Artists to Inspire Your Travel Illustration Pieces

Although using your own photos as a point of departure usually means you have a greater connection with your reference, there is no reason why you can’t choose other images of locations you would like to visit. They could be photographs taken by someone else, or something you have found on the internet, as long as they spark your imagination.

Of course, all artists look to other artists for inspiration and Alex is no different. In this Domestika blog, he shares with us the top 10 artists who inspire his work, providing an invaluable tool that can help you begin thinking about how to develop your style, techniques, and give you ideas for your illustrations.

Miroslav Sasek

@miroslavsasek

The Czech artist is both illustrator and author of the This is series of children’s travel books, which bring to life key destinations around the world including New York, Rome, London, and Paris.

Abstract and representational elements contrast in his illustrations, making for a beautifully original take on seemingly-familiar places.

Katsushika Hokusai

@katsushikahokusai

Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist, printmaker, and painter who lived from 1760 to 1849. He is most recognized for his woodblock print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji , made in response to a domestic travel boom in Japan.

From this collection, one piece in particular stood out among the rest. The Great Wave Off Kanagawa is arguably the most iconic piece of work in Japanese art, and went on to inspire many 19th-century European painters.

Evan Hecox is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in Colorado, whose work often takes inspiration from travel.

He has a particular talent for capturing the mood and feeling of a place or moment in time, as well as giving new life and beauty to objects that are often overlooked or dismissed as mundane.

Tom Haugomat

@tomhaugomat

The Paris-based illustrator and director has had his work featured in Air France Magazine, Revue XXI, and Le Monde. His illustrations have a distinctly cinematic quality, perhaps as a result of his background making short films.

Perhaps the most interesting element of his work is that his characters have no facial features, although he is still able to convey depth and emotion through his use of color and negative space.

Josh Cochran

@joshcochran

This Grammy-nominated, Brooklyn-based illustrator has clients including Adidas, Apple, and The New Yorker , and he currently teaches at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.

He is known for his bold colors, humorous drawings, and urban murals.

Bruno Mangyoku

@brunomangyoku

Bruno Mangyoku has worked as an illustrator and animation director who is greatly influenced by American graphic novelists such as Daniel Clowes and Charles Burns.

He uses a limited, yet highly contrasting color palette, focusing primarily on character design and silhouettes.

Hokyoung Kim

@hokyoungkim_

The South-Korean artist and illustrator lists clients including The New Yorker , The Washington Post , Apple, and Disney.

She finds inspiration in the Japanese comics and animations she grew up watching, and her work focuses on transmitting a strong sense of mood and atmosphere.

STRAUTNIEKAS

@strautniekas

The freelance illustrator studied at the Fine Arts Academy in Vilnius, before working in advertisement, animation and graphic design, with clients including the Royal Mail, The Independent , Penguin Random House.

His retro style, with soft colors and lines, lend him his unique style.

Christoph Niemann

@abstractsunday

Christoph Niemann is an illustrator, graphic designer, and children’s book author most known for his Sunday Sketches , quirky and humorous illustrations that take everyday objects and turn them into something unexpected.

Jon McNaught

This London-based cartoonist, illustrator, and printmaker has clients including Penguin Books, Faber, The New York Times , and The Wall Street Journal .

His skill lies in taking the mundane and everyday and turning them into works of art, using simple shapes and a limited color palette.

If you enjoyed this references and want to know more about travel illustration, don't miss Alex Green's course Travel Illustration: Recreate your favorite place and learn digital illustration techniques with a splash of acrylic paint to create artwork inspired by a photograph of a place you love.

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- What Is an Illustrated Life Journal and How to Start One? - Create a Travel Sketchbook Without Leaving Your House, with Powerpaola - What Is an Inspiration Board and How to Create One for Your Bullet Journal - Exploratory Sketchbook: Find Your Drawing Style , a course Sarah van Dongen - Lifestyle and Travel Photography , a course by Julia Nimke

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Artists Inspired By Travel: Wanderlust & Creativity – How Travel Inspires The Creative Process

• 22 September, 2023

Travel, with its endless horizons, unfamiliar cultures, and captivating landscapes, has always held a profound allure for creative souls and artists inspired by travel. It acts as a muse, a catalyst, and a wellspring of inspiration, breathing life into the creative process. The act of leaving behind the familiar and embarking on a journey, whether it’s a cross-country road trip, local travel, or a flight to a foreign land, can open up new avenues of thought and artistic expression. In my case, moving from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast sparked a love affair with the rugged coastal scenery and tropical light. I had already been working with the retro-travel-poster style, so it was natural to combine the two and so the Sunshine Coast Series was born. In thinking about how travel has influenced my art, it occurred to me that travel can be quite a powerful spur to creativity. That led me to consider all the ways that travel can drive the creative process.

Expanding Horizons

One of the most significant ways that travel inspires creativity is by broadening one’s horizons, quite literally. Leaving your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a different environment allows you to see the world from a fresh perspective. The newness of your surroundings, from the architecture to the cuisine, stimulates your senses and ignites your imagination. As you explore, you’re exposed to newfound ideas, colour palettes, and design concepts that can find their way into your art.

Cultural Immersion

Every place has a unique culture, history, and story to tell. Engaging with these elements can be a rich source of inspiration for artists. When you dive into the local customs, traditions, and rituals, you gain insights into the human experience that you might never encounter in your own backyard. These experiences can find their way into your art, infusing it with depth and authenticity.

Nature’s Masterpiece

The natural world, with its breathtaking landscapes, is a constant source of artistic inspiration for travellers. From the grandeur of towering mountains to the serenity of tranquil beaches…nature offers a boundless canvas of colours, shapes, and textures. There are many famous artists inspired by travel, including Claude Monet and Georgia O’Keeffe, who were deeply inspired by the landscapes they encountered in their travels. The play of light, the dance of shadows, and the ever-changing weather can be a wellspring of creativity.

Encounters with Humanity

Travel often involves interactions with people from different walks of life. These encounters can be transformative for an artist. Conversations with locals or fellow travellers can provide unique perspectives, stories, and anecdotes that enrich your work. Photographers, for instance, can capture the raw emotions of people they meet, while writers can draw upon these experiences to create compelling characters and narratives.

Reflective Solitude

On the flip side, travel can also provide moments of solitude and reflection. Whether you’re sitting alone on a remote mountaintop or strolling through a quiet village, these moments offer a chance to disconnect from the noise of daily life and tap into your inner creativity. It’s during these quiet interludes that artists often find the mental space to process their experiences and translate them into their chosen medium.

Documenting Memories

Travel journals, sketchbooks, and photographs are tangible records of your journey. They serve not only as mementos but also as invaluable references for future creative endeavours. Flipping through a sketchbook filled with quick sketches of street scenes or reading through a travel diary can instantly transport you back to the places you’ve been and the emotions you’ve felt. These documented memories can reignite your creative spark even years after your journey has ended.

The Art of Storytelling

Lastly, travel is a story waiting to be told. Whether you’re a writer, a filmmaker, a painter, or a musician, the experiences and adventures you have on the road can become the narrative thread of your art. Travel provides a rich tapestry of tales, and it’s up to the artist to weave them into their creative work, whether through a series of paintings, a travel blog, a novel, or a song. In conclusion, travel and creativity share an intimate relationship. Traveling not only exposes artists to new sights, sounds, and cultures but also offers moments of introspection and solitude. It provides a wealth of material for creative expression, from the grandeur of nature to the nuances of human interaction. So, whether you’re a painter seeking new landscapes or a writer searching for fresh stories, packing your bags and setting off on a journey might just be the most inspiring thing you can do for your art. As the saying goes, “ Adventure is the best way to learn. ” And for artists inspired by travel, it’s also the best way to create. To see more of our blogs click here.

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The Art-Lover's Guide to Traveling the World

Where to head if you're after high art, architecture, food and museums.

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In a world where indulging our passions has become second nature, travel has become more than just an enjoyable getaway, but a means by which to explore interests old and new. Why and where we choose to travel is a choice motivated by a number of factors, each of which varies from person to person. From history and cuisine to discovering the world's best beaches, these are motivators that come up time and again. But recently, there has been a long overdue shift to traveling for the arts.

The arts have always held a mesmeric power in their ability to shine a spotlight onto destinations and neighborhoods that, perhaps, we would not have considered otherwise. Traveling through the lens of galleries, museums, architecture, theatre and more shows another side to these destinations, as you step away from the crowds to discover a world which gives you a true flavor for a destination, its culture and its people. Here, the top 9 cities in the world to visit–if not solely for their art hubs.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is an unmissable destination on the global contemporary arts circuit. 2018’s World Design Capital has much to celebrate–from internationally renowned museums to lesser known architectural landmarks. Home to the famous Barragán Houses, named after the eponymous Mexican architect, Mexico City has become a place of art-fueled pilgrimage for many.

Wandering between his home studio at Casa Luis Barragán to Casa Gilardi, Cuadra San Cristobal and onto Casa Pedregal, the might of Barragán’s influence is inescapable–but he is not the only architect making an impression on Mexico City’s cityscape. Discover the lesser known works of contemporaries such as Mathias Goeritz, Félix Candela and Mario Pani and get a sense of the emerging talent that makes a stroll around any neighborhood here one full of architectural admiration. For real insight, head to the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus, down in the south of the city, and check out the Central Library adorned in stunning murals by the late Juan O’Gorman. A certified UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNAM is an architectural showpiece that few take the time to appreciate.

Mexico City is not all about architecture, and it would be an injustice to visit the city without stopping by some of its top museums. Whilst Kurimanzutto and OMR attract the international spotlight (and quite rightly so), José Garcia is a relative newcomer doing its part to bring works of leading Mexican artists onto the world stage. Stay at Las Alcobas and rub shoulders with Mexico City’s elite in a privileged location set amid the capital’s top bars and restaurants and it’s most fashionable boutiques.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has always been ahead of the game when it comes to art and culture, but it’s been catapulted onto the world stage thanks to the recent opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the largest collection of contemporary African art in the world. Located in the newly renovated Silo district, the impressive building (once a Grain Silo Complex) has been reimagined by renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick and is a totally unique space that fits into the African context.

From the Silo District, head to to Long Street where you can browse traditional art and antiques stores and pick up something to return home with. To eat? Stroll through town up to Bree Street, the strip that cuts through town towards Table Mountain, a vibrant setting that’s packed with bars, cafes and specialty eateries such as dedicated bars for gin, bacon and cheese. Make sure to stop by Bocca, La Parada and Chef’s Warehouse for a spot of people watching and delicious small plates. Sleep at the newly opened Silo Boutique Hotel , which boasts incredible views and is part of the Zeitz Museum complex, putting you right in the heart of the art-loving action.

Lima is rapidly becoming a global cultural hub for arts and cuisine. The city's museums showcase some of the country’s finest treasures, while providing insight into the region’s ancient civilizations and historic sites, which can then be explored in greater depth elsewhere in the country.

Housed in an elegant, whitewashed mansion, the Larco Museum hosts the world’s largest private collection of Pre-Columbian art including ceramics, gold and silver jewelry and an extensive selection of ceramics from the Moche culture, featuring memorable erotic pottery. In addition to the museum, the property includes a gorgeous garden and a top notch restaurant. Our favorite places to eat are Central and Maido , #4 and #8 respectively on the World's 50 Best Restaurants List. Stay in Hotel B Lima , a breezy, elegant fin de siecle spot for Lima’s well-heeled.

Beirut, Lebanon

Perched along the Mediterranean, the vibrant Beirut is, at first glance, a place travelers wouldn’t make a go-to for its present tumultuous tenor, but this would be a grave mistake.

A remarkable city steeped in history and culture, many have deemed it the ‘Paris’ of the Middle East–and for good reason. Beirut exudes warmth and civility, with an extraordinary arts scene, starting with the remarkable Beirut Arts Fair , a diaspora featuring incredible galleries from the region and beyond. March Hachem gallery is a must, featuring artists like Raouf Rifai. With outposts in New York and Paris, it has become a formidable competitor to some of the more well-known gallerists.

Tajalliyat Gallery downtown features extraordinary rotating exhibits with some of the region’s most extraordinary artists, including (most recently) Boutros Al Maari. Equally marvelous are the extraordinary Lebanese designers like Timi Hayek who specializes in handmade garments; in fact, there is an entire community organized around haute fashion design called Starched downtown, a consortium of local designers. Orient 499 is a veritable luxe orient fantasy land, housing beautiful home furnishings and art. Equally impressive is Bokja , a women-run design enclave that houses exceptional, eclectic pieces you may feel compelled to return home with. The city has an entrepreneurial spirit and phenomenal infrastructure, lending itself well to setting up an art business, be it fashion, design, or studio art.

Stay at the visually stunning and intimate Hotel Albergo and dine at Em Sherif , which serves up Lebanese haute cuisine in an unparalleled setting. Makan features rotating chefs delivering a diversity of cuisines from all over the world, housed in a gorgeous old Beirut house and garden (with seriously cool art on the walls).

Zurich, Switzerland

For those looking for a Euro Art fix, but veered more towards contemporary than classical works of art, Zurich has an art scene like no other European city. The birthplace of the Dada Movement and home of Le Corbusier’s final architectural masterpiece before his death in 1967, Zurich truly sits at the forefront of contemporary art.

2018 will also mark 20 years of the Contemporary Art Fair Zurich and is sure to be easy on the eyes with a range of exhibitions featuring everything from abstract photography to conceptual installations–from established and emerging artists alike. A city for the avant garde, the cutting-edge and the creative, swing by Galerie Eva Presenhuber and Peter Kilchmann Galerie before you go and admire the ever-changing exhibitions. Home to many a haute horologist, stop by Vacheron Constantin or IWC’s flagship to browse exceptionally luxurious timepieces.

Stay at the Widder Hotel , where a medieval facade belies slick contemporary interiors and walls are splashed with abstract art, encapsulating Zurich’s art scene in one charming boutique hotel. Not only are they nailing interior decor, but The Widder also boasts a seriously impressive restaurant. Encouraging you to ‘follow the flavour,’ the menu is a cacophony of intriguing dishes and themes, including ‘Smoke Signs’, ‘Basil Bash’ and ‘Intro to Cilantro’.

Beijing, China

A decommissioned military factory on the outskirts of Beijing where whitewashed turbine halls and generator rooms now house artwork over weapons, the 798 Art Zone is one of Beijing’s buzziest hangouts. An atmospheric space sprawled across the neighborhood of Dashanzi in a flurry of modern art, 798 is the ideal place to discover contemporary Chinese art and culture. A must visit for any culture vulture, 798 draws you in with a fascinating combination of the politics, society and culture of China.

Head to Originality Square to admire striking Bauhaus architecture, the mystical Cholima statue and some of the best exhibits through galleries filled with innovative paintings, photography, sculptures and the occasional multimedia outlet.

To sleep? That’s easy–stay at The Peninsula . The hotel boasts an inspiring gallery, The Peninsula Art Journey, showcasing pieces by renowned artist Zhao Ying Chao; it's the perfect complement to a culture-packed visit to the Chinese capital. For a bite in 798, head to Fodder Factory, a little-known restaurant balancing kitsch with industrial-chic, which will blow you away with its spicy Hunan dishes. Expert tip: be sure to bring a local with you to translate the menu.

Seville, Spain

Whilst a traditional landscape used to reign supreme across Seville, recent years have see a younger, more contemporary side emerge. Specializing in local, boutique galleries rather than the big names of Madrid and Barcelona, Seville is the place to discover hidden gems. From Fine Arts to Art Nouveau, the galleries of Seville reflect the evolution of the city. Check out distinguished works by Velazquez at the Museo de Bellas Artes , contemporary Andalusian art at Museo de Arte Andaluz Contemporaneo and surrealist and abstract works over at La Caja China. For something completely different, head to Delimbo, a former banana warehouse now showcasing urban art from across Europe and the United States; it’ll open your eyes onto a whole other side to Seville.

Stay at The Mercer Hotel , a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Seville’s historic centre that effortlessly blends cutting-edge design with historical surroundings and makes for a luxe base. No matter how much Seville changes, go for its unbeatable tapas scene. Whether you're dining in Bodega in Santa Cruz, El Rinconcillo in the Old Town, Sol Y Sombra in Triana (we could go on), dining in Seville never disappoints.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki has changed a lot over the last few years, making it one of the most exciting cities to visit in Scandinavia right now. Much of this growth surrounds the arts, and leading the pack has been cultural festivals, such as the ever-popular Midnight Sun Film Festival . However, contemporary galleries and exhibitions have been on the up and up too–they’ve just gone about it in a subtle way, so much so that you may have missed this art scene altogether. In a world full of mind-blowing contemporary art, Helsinki is geared towards the home-grown and the local.

To catch a glimpse of what’s up-and-coming in Finnish contemporary art, head to Myymälä2 , a non-profit artist-run space, and Galleria Heino with its focus on emerging Finnish talent, before checking out more internationally-known spaces such as Galerie Anhav a and Helsinki Contemporary . The combination of breathtaking architecture and stunning artworks on show at Ateneum and Kiasma really can’t be beaten, so spend an afternoon in either and watch as the hours fly by.

For sleep, stay at Klaus K , an irresistible hideaway inspired from a traditional Finnish tale, The Kalevala. This spot masterfully combines literary heritage with innovative design in the heart of the city. For dining, whilst Finnish staples herring, perch and vendace remain favorites, recent months have seen a flurry of new openings in the capital. The hottest seat in town right now is Chapter , whose innovative pairings of classics with the contemporary have got everyone talking. Can’t get a table? You can’t go far wrong with the kitchen-facing tables of Ora or the open-fire grill of Werner either.

New Orleans, Louisiana

While New Orleans may take acclaim for its famed drinking culture, a burgeoning arts scene has been putting this Southern city on the map. An inherent vibrancy and passion can be found in many mediums, including a remarkable exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art taking the national stage with the opening of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty , an exhibit that began at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and has made its way around the globe.

The National World War II Museum, a lesser known but impressively concise haunt, is worth exploring. New Orleans breeds art and creative thinkers, embracing poets, chefs, musicians, sculptors, and writers from all walks of life. One of of New Orleans most inspiring galleries and personalities is Ashley Longshore Art , whose witty namesake sits at the helm of what has become a divine shrine to pop art and irreverent social commentary. The 5,000 square foot space (not including the chicken coop, as Ashley herself points out) includes an array of art that will leave you mesmerized. Stepping into her gallery is to enter an outrageous microcosm and a wonderland world. For those in NYC, Ashley recently curated the entire 5th Avenue window space of Bergdorf Goodman, with the 7th Floor dedicated to her pieces in many mediums.

New Orleans is a foodie haven, with many young chefs taking center stage, including Kelly Fields at Willa Jean , all typified by southern hospitality and where the door is always open. Turkey & The Wolf has gained national attention and with good reason: the gumbo made with stellar Charlie Sausage and collard green melt is out of this world. Stay at the recently opened Ace Hotel which coincidentally has expertly crafted cocktails (as this is a central element to NOLA).

Tom Marchant is the co-founder of luxury travel company and trip planner, Black Tomato , which delivers high-touch experiences around the world via inspiring itineraries and access to the globe's up-and-coming, exclusive, and remote destinations. Marchant's finger on the pulse of travel trends and the world's best in hotels, restaurants, destinations, and honeymoons is unique and incomparable–and he's sharing his expertise and curated lists of where to visit, stay, eat and more in his travel column on BAZAAR.com .  

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The Art of Travel

At a glance.

Over centuries, images depicting travel have transformed individual journeys into familiar routes and distant sites into iconic destinations, shaping perceptions of places both near and far. See how artists have depicted travelers across cultures, learn about the role of art in travel of various kinds, explore objects that have undertaken journeys of their own, and plan your own trip to the museum, whether in person or virtually.

Types of Travelers and Journeys

Motivations for travel throughout history have been almost as varied as the means of travel. Whether people traveled alone or in groups, on foot, on animals, in caravans, on ships, or using modern modes of transportation like planes, trains, and automobiles, art can capture how and why we move through the world.

Marco Polo (1254–1324) was a Venetian merchant who spent about seventeen years in China—from around 1274 to 1292—during the reign of the Mongol emperor Khubilai Khan (reigned 1260–94), founder of the Yuan dynasty. In 1276, Khubilai’s armies conquered the Chinese capital at Hangzhou with minimal destruction. Sometime after this, Marco Polo visited the city and its West Lake:

“All round [the lake] are stately palaces and mansions, of such workmanship that nothing better or more splendid could be devised or executed. These are the abodes of the nobles and magnates. There are also monasteries and abbeys of [Buddhists and Daoists] in very great numbers…. Besides this, the lake is provided with a great number of boats or barges, big and small, in which the people take pleasure-trips for the sake of recreation. These will hold ten, fifteen, twenty, or more persons, as they range from fifteen to twenty paces in length and are flat-bottomed and broad in the beam, so as to float without rocking. Anyone who likes to enjoy himself…hires one of these barges, which are kept continuously furnished with fine seats and tables and all the other requisites for a party. They are roofed over with decks on which stand men with poles which they thrust into the bottom of the lake (for it is not more than two paces in depth), and thus propel the barges where they are bidden. The deck is painted inside with various colours and designs and so is the whole barge, and all round it are windows that can be shut or opened so that the banqueters ranged along the sides can look this way and that and feast their eyes on the diversity and beauty of the scenes through which they are passing. And indeed a voyage on this lake offers more refreshment and delectation than any other experience on earth.”

Imagine yourself alongside travelers in a snowy landscape through this guided meditation:

Video | "Meditation and Mindfulness: Winter travelers crossing a bridge" | View on YouTube

Travel is a common theme in traditional Chinese landscape painting. From ancient times, the emperors of China maintained a network of roads and waterways that unified their vast realm and facilitated the movement of people and goods. Owing to this imperial association, images of ordinary travelers on the empire’s roads and rivers connoted the benevolent rule of an enlightened sovereign and evoked an era of peace and prosperity. Rather than documenting the hardships or actual circumstances of any particular journey, images of anonymous characters traveling or working together capture some of the noteworthy sights and scenes a traveler might encounter along the way. Simultaneously, they promote the fundamental ideals of a harmonious society and a well-ordered state.

A dramatic topography features a complex and dominant rock formation in the left foreground and a sudden recession into distant space on the right. On the left, sheer cliffs and a waterfall plunge through a channel worn in the cliff by the water. On the right, a slightly more hospitable terrain provides a base for several structures that seem to be scholars’ hermitages or villas. In the left foreground a lone figure on a donkey crosses a bridge at the base of the waterfall. He is followed at a distance by a servant who travels on foot and carries his master’s stringed instrument, the chin . The image refers to a standard Chinese subject: a scholar-official journeying to seek the company of kindred spirits in their mountain retreats. The scale of the natural world overwhelms the small human forms.

One of the most enduring motivations for travel is religious devotion. Nearly every major religion—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, among others—has a tradition of pilgrimage: intentional travel to a site of spiritual significance. Christian pilgrims traveled to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Christ or visited more local destinations connected to the lives or relics of the saints. In Islam, pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca is one of the principal duties of all believers. Other holy sites were also visited on a regular basis. Over many centuries, hundreds of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean pilgrims braved countless dangers to visit places where the Historical Buddha lived and taught. Pilgrims would sometimes bring gifts, called votive offerings, with them as a donation to the destination site.

Trade was another common motivation for travel and occurred in many forms, but the most famous trade route in history was the Silk Road, the overland trade routes that linked the prosperous Tang empire (618–907) with Central, West, and South Asia. On the Silk Road, foreign merchants joined Buddhist missionaries, diplomatic envoys, translators, craftsmen, entertainers, and other skilled immigrants in a wealthy, worldly environment that offered a ready market for exotic imports, including silver and gold objects, delicate glassware, and even grape wine.

In the twentieth century, travel offered a key means for diplomacy and cultural exchange. Alice Roosevelt Longworth (1884–1980), Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, embarked on a tour of Asia accompanying William Howard Taft’s goodwill mission in 1905. This voyage is immortalized in a series of photographs but also through diplomatic gifts that dignitaries, such as the emperor of Japan, bestowed on Roosevelt.

Adventurers, archaeologists, and scholars have long been traversing the globe to conduct research and to explore foreign lands. In the early twentieth century, leisure travel among Europeans and North Americans also became increasingly common. Fascinated by the cultural heritage of Asia and the Middle East, tourists began to expand their horizons by venturing there.

Artists who traveled played a pivotal role in documenting and popularizing their visions of the distant places they visited. Their interactions with other artists and the things they experienced on their journeys contributed to the dispersal of different artistic styles and motifs.

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) immortalized his 1832 trip along the Tōkaidō, the most important and heavily traveled of the five major routes that linked other regions of Japan to the administrative and political seat of the shogun’s government in Edo (modern Tokyo). He created more than twenty full series of Fifty-Three Stations along the Tōkaidō , featuring designs of the lively activities and magnificent landscapes he witnessed and reimagined in his prints. Prints like these gave people throughout Japan access to images of sights and events that most had not experienced, in the same way that videos, photos, and the internet do today.

Though James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) was born in the United States, he spent most of his life in Europe and was based in London. The artist traveled to explore the canals of Venice and Amsterdam and the back alleys of Paris. He ventured further afield to Valparaiso, Chile, in 1866, just as hostilities between the Spanish and Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia were heating up over the Chincha Islands, sites of a precious nineteenth-century fertilizer: bat guano.

While travel has mostly positive connotations in popular culture today, it’s important to remember the darker sides of travel as well. Not all travel is undertaken by choice: people can be forced to travel as a result of political exile, as well as due to war, famine, disease, economic hardship, environmental disaster, and colonialism. Even when travel is voluntary, it can be dangerous, and this was particularly true in ages past. The physical act of traveling exposed people to potential injuries and diseases, the natural elements were unpredictable and threatened modes of transportation, and there was an inherent unpredictability to being on the road far from home. The recognition of these dangers shaped stories and cultural beliefs.

This print depicts a type of supernatural creature often known as an umibōzu , or “sea monk.” It was believed that when calm waters suddenly turned choppy and dangerous, particularly at night, these creatures could appear and drag sailors to the bottom of the seabed. Although the encounter was often deadly, the artist Kuniyoshi has paired the place name “Kuwana” with the similar-sounding name “Kuwanaya Tokuzō,” one of the few who encountered the umibōzu and lived to tell the tale.

Traveling Objects

Objects themselves have rich histories and often undertook journeys of their own, whether through trade, gift giving, or collecting. For conservators, the journey of an item is embedded within its material presence; marks, scars, repairs, and other interventions describe the actions of others who have contributed to its present state. The process of conservation involves the synthesis of material evidence and its placement in time, not just to understand an item’s past but to envision its future preservation. Anthropologists have described the trajectories of material items in terms of their lives, biographies, or itineraries, but such notions are intuitively familiar to conservators, whose actions are fundamentally additive to an item’s journey, both materially and through time.

Individual travelers carried things with them that were essential for the journey itself. Clothing and equipment suitable to traversing long distances sometimes set them apart from local residents, and travelers carried personal effects and accessories, such as small books, drinking flasks, and protective amulets, to make the journey easier.

Travelers brought objects acquired on their journeys home with them as well. Holy objects acquired by pilgrims allowed them to bring the blessings of their pilgrimage back from their destination. Images made during travel—whether sketches, paintings, or photographs—captured the experience of the journey for future reflection. Souvenirs purchased during a trip also offered travelers a way of commemorating a journey and gave them something tangible on which to reflect. The advent of commercial global travel networks in many cultures and contexts was accompanied by a flood of photographs, drawings, postcards, mementos, and other means of recording scientific and sentimental experiences abroad. Perhaps the most recognizable artifact of travel over the past 150 years is the picture postcard. These were collected as mementos or mailed to family and friends from abroad, accruing the additional prestige of a foreign stamp and postmark.

Virtual Travel

Most travel we think of involves physically moving between places, but virtual travel (colloquially, “armchair travel”) that takes place in the mind spans time and cultures and is facilitated by books and works of art. Through focused contemplation of a travel account, a map, a cherished souvenir, or images of far-off places, memory and imagination combine to transport someone mentally and to simulate the experience of travel.

In artist Katsushika Hokusai’s (1760–1849) time, Edo, one terminus of the Tōkaidō, was a metropolis with a population of more than one million. The wide Sumida River (Sumidagawa), which marked the city’s eastern border, is the focus of the illustrations in this three-volume collection of contemporary comic verse ( kyōka ). Hokusai creates the illusion of an uninterrupted land journey along the Sumida from south to north, against the river’s flow. The landscape continues as each page is turned, as if one were viewing a scroll or folding album painting. Hokusai’s shifts from close-up to bird’s-eye views add to the dynamic and cinematic quality of the viewer’s experience. Hokusai’s books provide a virtual journey that begins in the first volume at Edo Bay with a view of Mount Fuji and ends in the third volume at Edo’s Yoshiwara pleasure district, decorated for the New Year. Access to the Yoshiwara was restricted by regulations of the shogun’s government. The route to the pleasure district, with its restaurants and beautiful female entertainers and sex workers, was therefore traveled by few, except in fantasy.

Video | "Virtual Travel: Japanese Illustrated Books of the 19th Century" | View on YouTube

Online experiences can offer a twenty-first-century version of virtual travel, with tools like Google Earth allowing us access to almost any destination through our screens. Explore the museum’s digital interactives for some virtual travel of your own: to the museum itself, to places around the world, or to the past.

Keep Exploring

Art and the Environment

• Materials & Techniques

Explore All Pieces in this Section

The Traveler's Rescue by the Great Bird (al-Ta'ir al-Kabir), from Aja'ib al-makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) by al-Qazvini

Turkmen period, Aq Qoyunlu dynasty

Iraq or Eastern Turkey

Opaque watercolor, ink and gold on paper

Two travelers in the rain

Possibly Ming dynasty

Ink on silk

Travelers at a Mountain Way-Station

Qing dynasty

Ink and color on silk

M. Balwant Singh with Colonel Borthwick

Devgarh or Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh state, India

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Winter travelers crossing a bridge

Late Ming-early Qing dynasty

Ink and color on paper

Ink on paper

Scenic Attractions of West Lake 西湖清趣圖

Late Yuan or early Ming dynasty

Ink on paper mounted on wood core

Pilgrims on Mt. Fuji

S2003.8.2210

Pilgrims' map of Mount Fuji and surrounding temples

Fujieda, from the series, gojusan tsugi meisho zue.

S2010.18.148

Nocturne in Blue and Gold: Valparaiso

United States

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Kuwana: The Story of the Sailor Tokuzō, from the series Fifty-three Pairings for the Tōkaidō Road (Tōkaidō gojūsan tsui) 「桑名　船のり徳蔵の傳」 『東海道五十三対』

S2021.5.568

Saddlebag Face

Pile weaving

Traveling Dining Service (Knife and Chopsticks)

Bamboo, ivory, metal, and gold

LTS1985.1.553.1a-e

Ehon Sumidagawa ryōgan ichiran 絵本隅田川両岸一覧

Woodblock printed; ink and color on paper; paper covers

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There’s more to vacations than framing the perfect selfie..

Suhita Shirodkar, an illustrator and teacher, believes her sketchbook is what a camera is to a photographer. It accompanies Shirodkar everywhere, along with a set of Prismacolor pencils and watercolor paints, recording her travel experiences, “especially the ephemeral ones”.

For most people, travelling is the easiest way to recharge – getting away from home port offers new experiences, conversations and views. But for many young Indian artists like Shirodkar, it’s that and much more – it’s the inspiration that fires their imagination and forms the theme of their work.

Scroll.in spoke to some of these artists, for whom “travel essentials” imply their favorite sketchbooks and stationery.

Abhijit Kalan’s Minimal Landscapes

For illustrator and nature photographer Abhijit Kalan, his poetic minimal landscapes are a mix of his travels and dreams. He enjoys travelling to non-touristy places and clicking photographs for his image bank, especially of water bodies and seascapes. On returning to his studio, he converts these to simple but stunning artworks.

Speaking about this process, Mumbai-based Kalan said, “My journeys are never planned. Finding raw, undiscovered places is what attracts me. While creating my landscapes, the photographs are only there to remind me what I was thinking of at that particular moment. I dream a lot, and often see landscapes in my dreams. These landscapes are my memories. Each artwork is a tiny step in helping me learning different things.”

Sameer Kulavoor’s The Ghoda Cycle Project

Mumbai-based illustrator Sameer Kulavoor’s unique The Ghoda Cycle Project is an illustrated documentation of the cycle, and how culture, society, economy intersect on cycles across rural and urban India. Cycles are mobile shops – selling tea, vegetables, flowers, ice creams and more – and carry everything from cooking gas, milk, bread, newspapers to tiffins. “The drawings were not done while travelling, they were more like a post mortem done later in my studio. The Ghoda cycles were a subject I had been observing for a while and decided to put together as an individual project.”

Kulavoor points out that the sketches made on his recent travels to Kochi, New York and South East Asia are, however, drawn on location. Drawing and painting while travelling is a completely different experience for him. “It’s basically removing yourself from a familiar territory and exposing yourself to the new and unknown,” he said. “It has a huge impact on me and how I work, draw and paint. I’m sensitive to surroundings in general, so wherever I go and work, it’s like starting fresh.”

Siddharth Dasari’s Indian Locomotives

Designer Siddharth Dasari is constantly looking for ways to share stories. Thus emerged the project Indian locomotives , where an encounter with a retired locomotive designer of the Indian Railways – his grandfather’s colleague – led him to capture the trains of India in a colourful illustrated series. “He was proudly talking about the locomotives he designed and how, even today, they are helping bring people closer to each other,” Dasari said. “I decide to showcase these unsung heroes of travel in India through illustrations. So I went to the railway station the next day, clicked some photographs and used them as references to draw them digitally.”

Sachin Karle’s Time and the Way We Travel

Sachin Karle’s sketches employ a mix of real and surreal to find an expression of “how time and our mode of travel are so intricately interwoven”. He sent his sketchbook Time and the Way We Travel as a submission to the Sketchbook Project , which aims to create the largest collection of crowd-sourced sketchbooks from artists across the globe. It was received well.

The submission was a serious project, and Karle would spend every Saturday on it. “I’d make notes, create rough thumbnails, and then fine-tune the sketches.” While Karle confessed that he rarely travels for pleasure anymore, let alone carry a sketchbook everywhere, his phone has become his camera. “I don’t sit at each place and sketch. But it’s registered in my mind the way I experienced it. It’s not always exact but I take nuances from the place – a mailbox, light source, words – and capture them in my work.”

Kanika Sethi’s Faces of India

One of the most visually compelling series, Kanika Sethi’s Faces of India represents the tribes of India – from the Paraja and Gadaba tribes of Odisha to the Ladakhi tribes of Drokpa and Lamayury to Chhattisgarh’s Gond tribals. Sethi travels and photographs people, asking fellow travellers for help when she needs a translator. Speaking about her inspiration, she said, “I wanted these illustrations to look very graphic, simple and bold. Indian tribes have a very rich and colourful heritage, hence colour became a very important aspect of this series.” The series being a work-in-progress, but Kanika hopes to capture all the Indian tribes, and eventually move on to illustrating tribes around the world.

Taxi Fabric : India’s art gallery on wheels

Taxi Fabric, started by Mumbai-based entrepreneur Sanket Avlani, provides Indian designers with the unique canvas of taxi seats and ceilings to showcase their work. The process was simple enough – based on a theme, the artists made illustrations, which were then printed onto fabric. The upholstery and seat covers were then stitched, and these were finally fitted on to the taxi. The project lets everybody experience a little piece of India as they drive around Mumbai.

Neethi’s MP Tourism GIFs

Illustrated Madhya Pradesh project was a collaboration between Yahoo, Tumblr and the state’s tourism department. “It doesn’t get better than travelling and drawing, so in many ways this was a dream come true,” said Neethi, one of the Bengaluru-based illustrators for the project. “I spent seven days in Gwalior, Datia, Chanderi and places around, just discovering stories. I felt like I was almost interacting with history. That is exactly what I wanted my readers to feel, and why I presented the series in the form of GIFs.”

“The stories definitely struck a chord with the audience, which reaffirms my belief in breaking formats,” she added. “It’s great to see how receptive people are to new and inventive forms of story telling, and the Internet has proved to be a great medium for that.”

Suhita Shirodkar’s on location sketches

Suhita Shirodkar is an urban sketcher, a global community of artists who practice on-location drawing. Wherever she travels, she takes along her sketchbook and stationery. “Travel is a way to not only see new places, but to see the world afresh, even everyday and ordinary things,” she said. “What’s really essential to my process of capturing a sense of place is working on location... One person’s ordinary is another person’s exotic. A piece works for me when I can look back at it months later and be transported back to that place, the smells, the sights, the sounds, the light.”

All images are copyright of the artists.

Why Immersive Art Is This Year’s Biggest Luxury Travel Trend

Here, the eight best hotels where you can experience it for yourself.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The very best art hotels allow you to completely immerse yourself in your surroundings and offer a travel experience that engages all of your senses. From art-themed cocktails to music created just for you (quite literally, and more on that later), immersive art reaches far beyond basic paintings hung in the lobby. And this travel trend is quickly gaining traction among the most incredible hotels around the world. Here, our favorite luxury hotels with one-of-a-kind immersive art experiences.

Best Immersive Art Hotels

Habitas aiuia: aiuia, saudi arabia.

From well-appointed interiors and expansive desert views to art installations and incredible nighttime stargazing, Habitas AIUIa in Saudi Arabia is sure to indulge your senses. For starters, each room is housed in its own building that’s meant to blend in with its surroundings. The point? To let the natural beauty and art installations around the property shine. In a sea of terracotta desert hues, a collection of neon stones (an art exhibit from Desert X AIUIa 2020, “Falling Stones Garden” by Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim ) stands out, and upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the different sizes, shapes and colors of the natural rocks surrounding the installation. The vibrant piece reframes the viewers’ relationship to the desert landscape and asks them to appreciate all the beauty it has to offer.

To honor AIUIa’s incredible night sky and long-standing connection to astronomy, artist Lita Albuquerque placed an installation titled “ NAJMA (She Placed One Thousand Suns Over the Transparent Overlays of Space) ” on a large boulder overlooking the landscape in a “special arrangement that reflects the alignment of stars overhead on January 31, 2020, at the exact moment of the opening ceremony.” According to the Desert X website, the statue is named Elyseria and she’s a fictional 25th-century female astronaut “with a mission to teach about the stars and their related fields of astronomy and navigation.”

Across the property, what may look like an ordinary swing set (and can actually be used as one) is actually an art installation commissioned for Desert X called “ One Two Three Swing .” Symbolic of the fluctuating global economy and how it connects everyone around the world, this unique swing set “invites its users to activate the socially transformative potential of collective movement, challenging society’s apathy towards the political, environmental and economic crises of our age,” according to the Desert X website.

Tucked behind natural rock formations, you’ll find small black trampolines buried in the sand. Another installation from Desert X, this piece from Manal Aldowayan called “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” is meant to look like puddles and is a comment on climate change and water scarcity in the desert. At night, they become moon circles that light up when people interact with them. According to Desert X's website, “As encounters with the work become bodily, a physical exchange of cause and effect, awareness of the environment, its sensitivities, receptiveness, and actions are heightened.”

The best part about these art installations at Habitas AIUIa is that they’re not hidden behind glass or meant to be admired from afar—they’re built to be interactive (and, may we add, very Instagrammable). They encourage a sense of exploration and invite guests to tap into their inner child and play. And who couldn’t use a bit more child-like fun in their lives?

Grand Universe Lucca: Lucca, Italy

The Grand Universe Lucca in Tuscany has 55 rooms and suites that flawlessly blend timeless Italian elegance with contemporary creature comforts. The textiles in the rooms pay homage to the city’s famous silk production heritage and reflect the earthy red, green and yellow shades of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the delicate wall tapestries pay homage to the region’s vineyard patterns.

Beyond beautiful design, the hotel prides itself on its connection to music. The hotel stands next to the Piazza Napoleone and across from the iconic Teatro del Giglio, and each room is named after a composer who frequented the Hotel Universo e Tosca in the early 1900s (think: the “Piccolo Room” and the “Puccini Suite”).

For a truly curated musical experience, guests can take part in the hotel’s bespoke “ Prelude of Existence ” experience. There, the hotel’s classical composer will write your own theme song based on a brief questionnaire identifying your key personality traits. While the composer writes your one-of-a-kind song, you can enjoy coffee, tea and pastries in the Symphony Lounge. Later, the song will be hand-delivered on a sheet of music paper enclosed in a Tuscan leather box (perhaps for you to learn to play later).

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Quintessence Hotel: Anguilla

Quintessence Hotel in Anguilla isn’t your run-of-the-mill Caribbean beach hotel (though it does offer breathtaking views of Anguilla’s Long Bay Beach). The 12-suite boutique hideaway has a museum-quality art collection featuring paintings, sculptures, light installations, ironwork and murals that are all hand-selected by hotel owner Geoffrey Fieger.

Additionally, each room is named after a famous artist—from the Jasmin Joseph Penthouse to the Robert Henri Bresil Suite—and incredible works from renowned American and Caribbean artists can be found throughout the hotel (the gallery actually boasts the largest collection of Haitian art outside of Haiti). This season, the hotel is debuting its “art bar,” where you can enjoy specialty cocktails themed to match the gallery’s rotating selection.

Marbella Club Hotel: Málaga, Spain

Located in Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, the Marbella Club Hotel may just be the ultimate destination for art lovers. The hotel’s design—with its bright colors, layered textures, intricate mosaic art pieces, on-site botanical gardens and abundance of natural light—is inspired by the vibrant Andalusian culture surrounding the property. Here, guests can even create art of their own through immersive, hands-on workshops.

Additionally, guests can connect to the art and culture of the destination through the property’s interactive Flamenco dancing lessons. Art lovers can also explore the nearby Museo Carmen Thyssen , Centre Pompidou , or the Museo Picasso which is set in a 16th-century Andalusian palace designed in the Renaissance and Mudéjar architectural style.

JOALI Maldives: Muravandhoo Island Raa Atoll, Maldives

While you’ll still get to enjoy luxe overwater bungalows and screensaver-worthy views, there’s so much more to JOALI Maldives than white sand beaches and the sparkling Indian ocean. As the first and only immersive art resort in the archipelago, you can explore one-of-a-kind installations and a curated mix between international artists and indigenous influences, craftsmanship and materials. The hotel offers an “Art Map” that guides you through the pieces found on the hotel’s property and their unique stories.

Though you (sadly) can’t take the incredible art from the hotel home with you, you can snag a beautiful souvenir from the JOALI Art Studio on the property. There you’ll find textiles, art, and decorative objet d’arts made by both local and global artisans.

Hamilton Princess: Bermuda

The Hamilton Princess in Bermuda has one of the most impressive hotel art collections in the world. The property’s private collection features over 375 works from artists like Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Rene Magritte, Roy Lichtenstein, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, David Hockney, Jeff Koons, Alexander Calder, Jasper Johns, Tom Sachs, Damien Hirst, and Yoshitomo Nara.

Everywhere you look, art adorns walls and sculptures are dotted throughout the grounds. Additionally, the resort just updated three of its guest suites to be completely art-focused. Each one will feature three to five pieces of high art and offer spacious living areas as well as an outdoor space with harbor or garden views.

Rosewood Villa Magna: Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a great city for those who love incredible art and rich culture—and the Rosewood Villa Magna in the Salamanca district is an art destination that should not be missed. The hotel boasts over 380 pieces of art curated by ArtLink , the English firm renowned for its extensive contemporary art expertise.

The hotel also offers an “ Art Merienda ,” or afternoon tea experience, in partnership with Opera Gallery (an international gallery that recently opened its newest location in Madrid). The hotel’s resident art expert Raquel Saez will walk guests through the works of Spanish artists—including Manolo Valdés—that can be found throughout the hotel.

The tour begins at the hotel's restaurant, Flor y Nata, where guests will pick up a tea or coffee and sample a specialty dessert—a delicious eclair made with milk chocolate and Valencian orange—that pays homage to the origins of Valencian artist Manolo Valdés. Then, the tour will head over to the Museo de Prado’s exhibition “Picasso-El Greco,” which explores the artistic dialogue between two great artists: Pablo Picasso and El Greco.

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort: Soufriere, St. Lucia

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort , the iconic (and very Instagrammable) hotel overlooking the pitons in St. Lucia, is the ultimate beachfront destination for art lovers. Everywhere you look around the property—from enormous garden sculptures to high art to the lush island surroundings—there’s incredible beauty to be found.

The resort boasts an immersive collection from artists like Andy Warhol, Banksy, Tom Sachs, KAWS, and Jeff Koons—and even has a Damien Hirst painting in its kids' club! This summer, the resort will also unveil a new guided walking tour for guests who want to immerse themselves in the property’s robust art collection.

Jaime Milan (she/her) is the deputy digital editor for VERANDA, where she writes about design, architecture, gardens, jewelry, fashion, travel, wine, news and trends. In her spare time, she can be found shopping at the antique store, cooking, gardening, or teaching her mini Australian Shepherd, Gumbo, new tricks. Follow her on Instagram at @jaimemmilan. 

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Capitalizing on the Rise in Art Travel

Art travel not only stimulates business for locales but also fuels the growth of local artists, injecting creativity and economic vitality into communities. Through the intersection of art and travel, destinations become vibrant cultural hubs, attracting visitors who seek authentic artistic experiences and supporting the flourishing of local artistic talent. — Barney Davey

Opportunities for Independent Visual Artists in Art-Related Travel 

Art has become a significant influence on travel choices, with the recent trends report from Embark Beyond suggesting that art, in all its forms, is one of the hottest drivers of tourism this year. As an independent visual artist, you can capitalize on this rising trend and expand your reach. In this post, we will explore how you can leverage the growing popularity of art travel to enhance your career and connect with new audiences. 

Art-Related Travel Experiences in Demand  

Art festivals, art-centric cities, art shopping trips, and visits to artist studios are among the most requested experiences by travelers. Destinations with a vibrant art scene are catching the attention of jet-setters and the culturally inclined. As an artist, you can tap into this demand by offering personalized art travel experiences tailored to individual clients. For example, consider curating art-centric itineraries that provide a deeper understanding of local art and culture. 

Traveling to art festivals allows you to showcase your work to a diverse audience of art enthusiasts and potential buyers. Research popular art festivals and apply to participate as an exhibiting artist. These events provide exposure and create networking opportunities with fellow artists and industry professionals. Establishing connections can lead to collaborations, joint exhibitions, or referrals to other art events. 

Exploring Art-Centric Cities. 

Exploring art-centric cities is another avenue for artists to capitalize on the rise in art travel. Choose destinations known for their vibrant art scenes, such as New York City, Paris, Berlin, or Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the local art community, visit galleries, and attend art events. Engaging with the art scene inspires and helps build relationships with gallery owners, curators, and collectors. These connections may lead to future exhibition opportunities or representation by a gallery. 

In the U.S., these are some of the most popular art-centered destinations:  

• New York City, New York: With world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City is a cultural hub that attracts art enthusiasts from around the globe. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Chelsea and the Lower East Side, are also known for their thriving art scenes. 
• Santa Fe, New Mexico: Santa Fe has a rich artistic heritage and is renowned for its vibrant art scene. The city showcases a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and contemporary art. Visitors can explore the famed Santa Fe Plaza and art galleries along Canyon Road. 
• Miami, Florida: Miami’s art scene has flourished in recent years, largely thanks to the annual Art Basel Miami Beach art fair. The city’s Wynwood Arts District, known for its vibrant street art and galleries, has become a must-visit destination for art lovers. Miami is also home to notable museums like the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). 
• Chicago, Illinois: Chicago boasts a thriving art scene anchored by the iconic Art Institute of Chicago, which houses an extensive collection of artworks from different periods and cultures. The city’s neighborhoods, such as Wicker Park and Pilsen, are known for their diverse galleries, street art, and artist communities. 
• Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles offers a dynamic art landscape with world-class museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and The Broad. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Downtown LA, Arts District, Bergamot Station Arts Center, and Venice Beach, showcase a vibrant mix of contemporary art, street art, and galleries. 
• Scottsdale, Arizona: Scottsdale is a notable U.S. destination known for its vibrant art scene. The city’s Old Town district is a haven for art enthusiasts, with numerous galleries displaying various artistic styles and mediums. Scottsdale’s art scene is complemented by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and a solid commitment to public art, including sculptures, installations, and murals throughout the city. 

These destinations offer unique and diverse art experiences, from renowned museums and galleries to vibrant street art scenes and cultural events. Exploring these cities allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local art culture, discover emerging artists, and engage with the creative energy that defines these vibrant art scenes. 

Art Travel Directory – Listings Welcome.

This active list was inspired by my artist friend, Mary Martin, suggesting including her hometown (and mine) in the next update. Instead, I’m using it to create an ongoing and updated list of websites for art travel destinations. So, I added Phoenix, my second hometown. Please send your brief 100-word or less description with your art travel website for your free listing in the directory.

The Art Travel Directory

Art shopping trips. .

Art shopping trips are increasingly popular among art enthusiasts looking to acquire unique and meaningful pieces. As an independent artist, consider organizing guided art shopping tours in your city or art-centric destinations. Offer personalized consultations, share your artistic process, and provide insights into the art market. By curating these experiences, you position yourself as an expert and guide, creating a valuable connection with art buyers. 

Visiting artist studios is a highly sought-after experience for art travelers. Open your studio doors to visitors and give them an intimate glimpse into your creative process. Share stories about your artistic journey, demonstrate your techniques, and engage in meaningful conversations. Offering studio visits can create a direct connection between your art and potential buyers, fostering a deeper appreciation for your work. 

Combining Art and Cultural Expressions. 

Art and travel go hand in hand, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures. Combining art with cultural expressions can create enriching experiences for yourself and your audience. For instance, you were incorporating tea ceremonies into a Japan trip or exploring local cuisine as a form of art. This fusion adds depth and authenticity to your art travel experiences, making them more memorable and engaging. 

Integrating cultural elements into your art travel experiences allows you to connect with a broader audience. For example, consider organizing art workshops incorporating local artistic traditions or collaborating with local artisans to create unique art pieces. By infusing cultural expressions into your art, you provide visitors with a more immersive and authentic experience. This approach also opens up opportunities for collaborations and cross-cultural exchanges with fellow artists from different backgrounds. 

Networking and Partnerships. 

Networking is a powerful tool for artists, and art travel provides an ideal environment to connect with fellow artists, gallery owners, collectors, and industry professionals. Attend art events, exhibitions, and conferences in your chosen destinations, actively engage in conversations, and exchange ideas. These connections can lead to collaborations, exhibitions, and other partnership opportunities that expand your artistic reach and help you gain exposure in new markets. 

Create a robust online presence through social media platforms and art-related websites to establish connections before traveling. Engage with the local art community by joining online forums, participating in discussions, and sharing your artistic journey. In addition, you can lay the foundation for future collaborations and international exhibitions by nurturing relationships with artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. 

Contact local art organizations, galleries, and cultural institutions in your desired travel destinations. Express your interest in collaborating or participating in their events. Art organizations often welcome artists who bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the local art scene. Collaborative projects can range from group exhibitions to community art initiatives, offering opportunities to showcase your work to a new audience and establish connections within the art community. 

Showcasing Artwork and Gaining Exposure.  

Find creative ways to showcase your artwork while traveling. Organize pop-up exhibitions, participate in local art shows, or collaborate with galleries to display your pieces. Leverage the power of social media platforms to document your art travel experiences and share them with a broader audience. Engage with art enthusiasts, collectors, and potential buyers online, and use storytelling techniques to connect with your audience on a deeper level. 

When organizing pop-up exhibitions, choose unique and captivating venues that resonate with your art. Seek out non-traditional spaces such as cafes, boutique hotels, or outdoor locations that align with the theme or concept of your work. Engage with the local community by promoting the exhibition through social media, local event listings, and collaborations with local businesses. Such shows create buzz and allow you to interact with visitors and directly receive feedback on your art. 

Participating in local art shows or collaborating with galleries during travels can significantly expand your exposure. Research reputable art shows and galleries in your chosen destination and submit your work for consideration. Exhibiting in new locations exposes your art to a different audience, potentially leading to sales, commissions, or gallery representation. Prepare a professional portfolio and artist statement effectively communicating your artistic vision and style. 

Harness the power of social media platforms to document and share your art travel experiences. Create engaging content that showcases your artwork, the places you visit, and the inspiration behind your creations. Use relevant hashtags and engage with art communities online to expand your reach and attract potential buyers and collaborators. Incorporate storytelling techniques in your posts to create a deeper connection with your audience, sharing the stories behind your art and the experiences you encounter during your art travels. 

Collaborating with Hotels and the Hospitality Industry. 

Hotels and the hospitality industry increasingly recognize the value of art in enhancing guest experiences. Explore opportunities to collaborate with hotels, such as displaying your artwork in their spaces, participating in artist-in-residence programs, or contributing to curated art collections. These collaborations provide exposure, networking opportunities, and potential sales. 

Research hotels that strongly focus on art and contact their management or art directors. Propose displaying your artwork in their public spaces, such as lobbies or hallways, to capture the attention of hotel guests. Collaborating with hotels can lead to exposure to a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, potential buyers, and industry professionals. Participating in artist-in-residence programs allows you to create art within the hotel environment, interact with guests, and potentially sell your work. 

Consider contributing to curated art collections in hotels known for their art programs. Contact hotel art curators or managers and share your portfolio and artist statement. If your artistic style aligns with their vision, they may consider including your artwork in their collections. Being part of a curated collection adds prestige and can increase visibility, as hotels often promote their art collections to guests and the wider public. 

How Visual Artists Can Capitalize on Art-Related Travel. 

Visual artists can capitalize on art-related travel by taking advantage of the following strategies: 

Offer Art Travel Experiences:

Visual artists can curate and offer their art travel experiences to interested individuals or groups. This activity can include organizing art workshops, guided tours to art-centric destinations, or immersive artist retreats. By providing unique and personalized art experiences, artists can attract art enthusiasts seeking an immersive and educational journey. 

Participate in Art Festivals and Events:

Artists can apply to participate in art festivals and events that attract a large audience of art enthusiasts. These platforms provide an opportunity to showcase their artwork, gain exposure, and connect with potential buyers, collectors, and industry professionals. Research and identify relevant festivals and events that align with your artistic style and target audience, and submit applications to secure a spot. 

Collaborate with Galleries and Art Spaces:

Artists can collaborate with galleries and art spaces in different locations to organize exhibitions or showcase their work. Partnering with established galleries allows artists to tap into existing networks and reach a wider audience. Additionally, artists can consider participating in group shows or joint exhibitions with other artists, fostering collaborative opportunities and enhancing their visibility. 

Engage with the Local Art Community:

Artists should try to engage with the local art community when traveling to art-centric destinations. Attend art events, exhibitions, and artist talks, and actively participate in conversations. Networking with fellow artists, gallery owners, curators, and collectors can open doors to collaborations, joint exhibitions, and other partnership opportunities that extend an artist’s reach. 

Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms:

Visual artists should leverage social media platforms and online art communities to share their art travel experiences, document their artistic process, and engage with a global audience. Regularly update social media profiles with compelling visuals, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and stories about their art and travel adventures. Engage with art enthusiasts, collectors, and fellow artists through comments, collaborations, and online exhibitions to expand their network and attract potential buyers. 

Embrace Artist-in-Residence Programs:

Many art organizations, galleries, and residency programs offer artist-in-residence opportunities worldwide. Artists can apply to these programs, which provide dedicated time and space for artistic exploration and experimentation. Artist residencies allow artists to immerse themselves in different cultural environments, connect with local artists, and gain exposure through open studio events or exhibitions.  

Develop an Artistic Brand and Narrative:

Artists should develop a distinct brand and narrative that resonates with their target audience. These steps include creating a cohesive body of work, defining their artistic style, and communicating their unique creative voice. A compelling brand story and consistent online presence help artists stand out, attract art travelers, and build a loyal following. 

These strategies allow visual artists to capitalize on art-related travel, expand their artistic reach, and create meaningful connections within the global art community. Embracing the opportunities provided by art travel allows artists to showcase their work to diverse audiences, gain exposure, and enhance their artistic careers. 

Practical Considerations for Art Travel.  

As an independent artist, it’s crucial to consider practical aspects when planning art travel. Budgeting for travel expenses, finding affordable accommodations, and managing transportation costs are vital considerations. Conduct thorough research to identify art-centric destinations and leverage local resources, such as art guides or tourist information centers, to maximize your art travel experiences. 

Budgeting for art travel requires careful planning and consideration. Estimate your travel expenses, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and art-related costs such as exhibition fees or materials. Look for affordable accommodation options, such as boutique hotels, guesthouses, or artist residencies, that cater to the needs of traveling artists. For example, consider alternative transportation options, such as public transit or shared rides, to minimize costs. 

Research art-centric destinations to ensure you make the most of your art travel experiences. Look for cities or regions known for their vibrant art scenes, cultural events, and artist communities. When planning travel, consider the timing of art festivals, exhibitions, and other art-related events. Contact local art guides or organizations for recommendations on must-visit galleries, museums, and artist studios. Immersing yourself in the local art scene allows a deeper understanding of the artistic landscape and potential networking opportunities. 

Conclusion 

The rise in art travel presents opportunities for independent visual artists. Capitalizing on this trend can expand your artistic reach, connect with new audiences, and enhance your career. Craft personalized art travel experiences, embrace cultural expressions, network with industry professionals, and showcase your artwork effectively. Embrace this evolving landscape and leverage the power of art travel to thrive as an artist in a competitive market. Art travel bodes well for creating balance in your art life and business.

Remember, as an independent artist, your unique perspective and artistic style are your greatest assets. Use them to create authentic and engaging art travel experiences that leave a lasting impact on you and your audience. Embrace the fusion of art and travel, immerse yourself in different cultures, and create meaningful connections with fellow artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. The world is your canvas, and art travel opens up endless possibilities for your artistic journey. 

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The reason to stick to a style when working with a gallery, why is my art not selling how can you help me.

Barney, This article is brilliant! Thank you for sharing it. The Regional Arts Commission in St. Louis has a new campaign, “St. Louis is an Arts Town.” They just launched a new website, www. stlouisarts.org to showcase all St. Louis has to offer. When the time rolls around to update this article, maybe St. Louis’ reputation as an arts town will make it worthy of inclusion in it!

Thanks for your comment, kind words, and suggestions. You inspired me to add an Art Travel Directory to the post. I welcome new additions and encourage artists to send information for their local art travel destination websites.

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Artful fog design+art, la frieze prequel, santa fe: indigenous to contemporary, a pilgrimage to marfa, the home of american art, the center of the art world, america's museum redefined, contemporary art in london, contemporary art in paris, art in the hamptons, art in the hudson valley, land art in the american west, art basel in miami beach, unlock a world of art experiences, featured jaunt: washington d.c..

Spend a day experiencing magical Glenstone, one of the most exciting new private museums in the world. Located in Potomac, Maryland, 15 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. and set on 230 acres, Glenstone, designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, is renowned for its idyllic architectural spaces and important collection— 1,300 works by some of the most significant postwar artists from around the world. Developed and financed by billionaire American businessman Mitchell Rales and curated by his wife Emily Wei Rales, Glenstone—which collects artists in-depth and will only purchase work after an artist has been exhibiting for 15 years—has been compared to historic U.S. private museums such as the Frick Collection and the Phillips Collection. During your time in D.C., you will also visit major museum exhibitions of the moment, as well as new galleries and collectors' homes.

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Now more than ever, art matters. Artful Impact was established to help amplify art's philanthropic influence on our communities. Our charitable efforts directly support artists, museums, public installations, art education, as well as social justice and sustainability issues. We donate a third of the revenue generated from art purchased on a jaunt to the Artful Impact Fund. Please take a moment to learn about some meaningful charities. We think you will agree they are making a significant difference.

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The Concept of Travel in Art Through the Ages

This post is part of the ArtSmart Roundtable , a group of travel and art bloggers bringing you themed posts every month. This month’s post theme is “concept”, so I’ve decided to tap into what Wanderarti does best – talk about travel in art. Scroll to the bottom to see more of this month’s awesome posts!

For as long as the timeline of art spans back there are paintings of places; depictions of destinations rendered carefully and thoughtfully by both famous artists and lesser-known explorers.

Landscape painting is perhaps the most prominent and most recognisable form of travel art.

Thick brushstrokes bring to life far-flung places; bold colours pinpoint fascinating scenes; realistic portraits showcase lesser-known destinations that would otherwise go undocumented.

Travel in Art in the 17th Century

Back in the 17th century, European landscape art was on the rise. It was a dominant genre during this time thanks to the unprecedented growth of global travel and tourism.

But there’s a conundrum here: it’s the chicken vs the egg debate when it comes to travel and art. Did the explorer set out to paint or did the artist set out to explore?

Through the 17th century and the following 200 years, travel was no longer a means from moving one group of people to another place (a form of travel that, for the most part, has been imbued into human life since the very beginning). It wasn’t just kings, queens, and traders who traversed landscapes far and wide.

Geographical exploration was on the rise, and colonial expansion was well and truly underway. This meant big things for the art world.

Without photographs or social media, explorers used the mediums of sketching and painting to document places. They combined skill and an expert eye for detail to produce scenes they had witnessed on their travels – to bring back and show family, friends, and those who were less able to travel.

William Hodges via Wiki Commons

Trips during this time were lengthy and, usually, with purpose. It was impossible to pop to Cairo for a weekend, or explore the South American jungle in a couple of weeks.

Journeys lasted for months on end, with explorers turning to art to create stories about the places they visited – to immortalise languages, scenery, and customs that were otherwise unfamiliar to them.

But, despite efforts to portray countries, cities, and destinations in an objective light, this is art we’re talking about. Even in the most skilfully executed landscape piece, t here will always been a hint of political, social, and cultural significance depending on the person creating the painting.

Subjective observations creep into well-rendered pieces, offering viewers not just a glimpse into places from the past, but also an insight into the mind-set of explorers.

Even though just one explorer might have been producing the artwork, it was more of a collective experience. There was a vested interest in creating realistic depictions of other places because it hadn’t been done before.

Take the imagery created by 19th century explorers who ventured around the Pacific. Work produced by men aboard Captain James Cook’s ships in the 18th century immortalised places that had never been seen by the western world before. There was a vested interest from the west to learn more about these places – for trading and other political reasons.

Travel in Art in the Mid-19th Century

Jump forward to the mid-19th century. After teaching Queen Victoria how to wield a paintbrush, Edward Lear set out to explore distant lands, painting their oddities as he went.

Lear was different to the men who had been aboard Cook’s ship and those that came before him because he was, first and foremost, an artist. He wasn’t a trader, a soldier, or a voyager. His livelihood was made from painting.

Greece by Edward Lear

At a time when barely anyone had the opportunity to travel (remember the long distances and difficulties in getting from one place to the next), Lear opened a gateway to the world for those less able than him.

From Italy, Albania, Greece, Egypt, and India, he immersed himself in the local culture and drew pictures that he felt reflected the place in its rawest form. There were seemingly no political backdrops to his work and underhand motivations. He simply wanted to bring the world to the world.

This was the start of something beautiful in the art world. Landscape paintings and depictions of “exotic” destinations were no longer driven by an ulterior motive. They were simply representations of the beautiful and the “other”.

Travel in Art in the 20th Century

Skip forward a century and this is even more evident to see. World-famous artists like Matisse, Derain and Picasso were creating piece after piece that showcased destinations around Europe.

These weren’t realistic renditions, though. In fact, they were a far cry from the beige swathes of sketches created by early voyagers and even Lear himself.

They were bold and bright, injected with a heavy dose of the artists’ recognisable style. Matisse’s paintings from Couillere were, at first glance, just splodges of paint in a wheel of surreal colours. Derain’s depictions of London were psychedelic, using the Pointillism technique to create abstract versions of scenes.

Gift and bequest of Louise Reinhardt Smith © 2015 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

At this point, art was no longer a vessel to share objective scenes and stories from around the world. It was a portal into the minds and souls of creative greats. There were already hundreds, if not thousands, of depictions of places around the world – what good would even more do?

André Derain, 1906, Charing Cross Bridge, London , National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Instead, artists used the backdrop of places to express their feelings and thoughts about them. Matisse’s pieces from Couillere may not have shown visitors exactly what to expect in terms of scenery, but the brash use of colour and thick brush strokes might just give an insight into how he felt about the French town.

This notion of art being a personal endeavour rather than collective continues into the present day.

Sure, artistic versions of places hint at architectural styles, local life, and customs, but more than that they delve into personal journeys, highlighting individual thoughts and feelings rather than a collective vision of the world.

S ince documents began, art has served as an important inspiration for imagination. It’s served as a portal through which people can remember places, cultures, and journeys, as well as depict the motivations behind travel – from the Grand Tour, through the years of globalisation, right up until the present day.

Today travel art is so much more than simply a depiction of a place. They say a painting speaks a thousand words – especially in an age where photographs are a dime a dozen. They not only act as a portal through which we can see another view of a place, but they also act as a personal reminder that’s much more intimate than a photo could ever be.

More posts in this month’s ArtSmart Roundtable:

• Christina of Daydream Tourist –  Changing Paintings After They Are “Finished”
• Alexandra of ArtTrav –  Nurture and Hospitality at Santa Maria della Scala, Siena
• Murissa at the Wanderfull Traveler – Vancouver’s New Art Gallery
• Pal & Lydian at Art Weekenders – Earth Art – Creativity Out In Nature and Back Into Our Sight
• Jenna at This is My Happiness – Northern California’s Greatest Artist: Wayne Thiebaud

Lizzie Davey

Lizzie has a passion for visual vagabonding (a new term, maybe?), whereby she likes to document the beauty in the world via creative forms. She created Wanderarti as a space for this new term to flourish, providing somewhere for art and travel to collide. Apart from pretty things and exploring new places, Lizzie likes tea, takeaways, and cute animals.

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The History of Travel: Paintings of Landscapes Around the World by Edward Lear

Nice concept, Lizzie! It was Matisse indeed who jumped to my mind when I first saw the title, and nice to have a historic overview over how it evolved already before him.. It’s interesting to see that “travel art” hasn’t changed much for some 300 years, while photography of course totally changed the relationship between art and travel in the modern world.

Exactly! With the emergence of photography we no longer have to rely on the paintings of voyagers/travellers to know what places look like – which leaves lots of room for artists to get creative with their depictions of places!

I love early travel art. It seems like every exploration, trade, and military expedition always ventured from home with an artist along. I especially like seeing when Westerners had to document cultures and art so different from their own. For example, the Spanish explorers in Mexico were mostly able to draw Mayan characters, but you can still see their European approach to design in the pictures.

Yes, that’s one of the things I love about it – not only do you get a glimpse into “other” cultures, but you also get to see how they were viewed through Western eyes.

I like what you said about the 20th century artists. It certainly seems that from the late 19th century and after, travel became more important for some artists as they were inspired by color, light, landscape and even culture during their travels.

Exactly – documentation became less important whilst concept, ideas, and technique moved into the forefront.

[…] Lizzie – The Concept of Travel in Art Through the Ages […]

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Jeannette and Suzy set a new high standard of travel. I joined an ArtWalk Greece with 3 girlfriends. We left Greece with a whole new appreciation of seeing the world by traveling “at the speed of you.” They are fabulous tour leaders. They have a depth of knowledge of the local towns and sites that I have never before experienced. We always felt so well taken care of. We did a lot of walking and art-making. I am looking forward to another Blue Walk in the future!

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You’ve daydreamed of this: a vacation with time each day to simply create. The destinations are beautiful. The accommodations are welcoming. All the details are taken care of. In the company of like-minded travelers you savor the wonder of the present moment. And you capture it all through your art.

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Our Art Walk art vacations are the perfect tours for artists of all levels. Talented and engaging teaching artists offer daily classes inspired by stunning locations. Equal parts journey and learning, our art vacations are based on a travel journal format. Art classes are mostly on site. Some programs have “studio” time at our hotels. Space is almost always limited, so you will learn to work with what is available, being able to create wherever and however you may find yourself. Sketchbook, watercolor, collage, and multimedia workshops are all represented in our schedule.

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Join us. Solo travelers love the easy camaraderie our tours provide. First time European travelers and budding artists love the safe, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere. The main requirements are a desire for adventure and gratitude for the opportunity to pursue it. 

Travel at the speed of you.

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Find a community. Receive and share inspiration.

Return home renewed, accomplished, and feeling better than ever.

Keeping an illustrated travel journal enhances your trip and opens your mind. Everything around me is fresh and beautiful because I’m drawing it, seeing it truly for the first time.    

Once you return from your trip, your mind remains full of wonder. A quick flip through your journal’s pages keeps those memories alive.  

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The Art of Keeping a Travel Sketchbook

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Sketchbook Travel Journal Vacation in Greece with Koosje Koene

Sep 24-Oct 6, 2024 join Koosje Koene’s island-hopping sketchbook journal vacation in Greece.

Art Journal Workshop in Paris, France with Betsy Beier

Sep 16-23, 2024 join Betsy Beier’s art journal workshop in Paris, France. Fill your sketchbook as we walk the neighborhoods of Paris!

Watercolor Sketchbook Art Workshop in Italy

Ohn Mar Win teaches a 7-night watercolor sketchbook art workshop in Italy. We will tour the Italian Riviera and stunning Lake Como. Join us October 2024.

Art and Creativity Workshop in Italy

Join Jill Badonsky for an art and creativity workshop on the Italian Riviera in October 2024. Write, paint, and sketch for an inspired week.

Art workshop in Venice, Padua, and Parma, Italy

Oct 21-27, 2024 Anne Leuck teaches her art workshop in Venice, Padua and Parma, Italy. See Venice like a local! Taste the best of Parma!

Watercolor Workshop in Greece with Angela Fehr

April 22 – May 4, 2025

Mixed Media Art Workshop in Portugal with Tammy Gilley

March 30-April 5, 2025

Mixed Media Art Workshop in Portugal with Mary Beth Shaw

April 6-12, 2025

Art Workshop Vacation in Paris, France with Tammy Gilley

April 12-19 , 2025

Watercolor Workshop in Italy with Angela Fehr

May 5-11, 2025

Mixed Media Art Workshop in Italy with Tiffany Goff-Smith

May 11-18, 2025

Collage Travel Journal Workshop in Greece with Karen Stamper

May 20-June 1, 2025

Sketchbook Art Workshop in Portugal with Anne Leuck

June 9-15, 2025

Watercolor Journal Workshop in Spain with Ohn Mar Win

June 30 – July 6, 2025

Travel Journal Art Workshop in Spain with Julie Snidle

Sep 8-14, 2025

Sketchbook Art Workshop in Spain with Koosje Koene

Sep 14-20, 2025

Mixed Media Art Workshop in Sicily, Italy with Mary Beth Shaw

Oct 19-Nov 1, 2025 (Coming Soon)

Art Workshop in Spain: Barcelona and Costa Brava

Join artist Mary Beth Shaw for a mixed media art workshop in Spain September 2024. Get inspired and renewed in Barcelona and Costa Brava.

Mixed Media Art Workshop Vacation in Nice, France

Join Tammy Gilley for a mixed media art workshop in Nice, France June 2-8, 2024. Follow in the footsteps of the Matisse, Monet, and Van Gogh.

Mixed Media Art Workshop in Switzerland

Join Mary Beth Shaw on her mixed media art workshop in Switzerland June 2024.

Art Vacations Schedule

This is a list of our public art vacations. The Blue Walk offers private and custom small group tours in addition to our advertised tours. 

There is a separate Blue Walk schedule for our walking vacations. 

2024 Art Vacation Workshops

• April 14-21: Collage journal with Karen Stamper on the Italian Riviera and Lake Como, Italy (7 nights) from $3795 (1 space available)
• May 14-26: Watercolor with Angela Fehr in Greece (12 nights) from $4595 SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
• Jun 2-8: Mixed media with Tammy Gilley on the French Riviera (6 nights) from $3495 SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
• Jun 9-16: Mixed media with Mary Beth Shaw in Switzerland (7 nights) from $4845  (1 space available)
• September 7-14: Mixed media with Mary Beth Shaw in Spain (7 nights) from $3695 SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
• September 16-23: Sketchbook journal with Betsy Beier in Paris, France (7 nights) from $4295
• September 24-October 6: Sketchbook journal with Koosje Koene in Greece (12 nights) SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
• October 7-14: Sketchbook journal with Ohn Mar Win on the Italian Riviera and Lake Como (7 nights) from $3795 SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
• October 14-20: Art and Creativity workshop with Jill Badonsky on the Italian Riviera (6 nights) from $3595 SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
• October 21-27: Sketchbook journal with Anne Leuck in Venice and Parma, Italy (6 nights) from ($3745)

2025 Art Vacation Workshops

• March 30-April 5: Mixed Media Workshop Vacation in Portugal with Tammy Gilley (6 nights) from $3495
• April 6-12: Mixed Media Art Workshop in Portugal with Mary Beth Shaw (6 nights) from $3395
• April 12-19: Art Workshop Vacation in Paris, France with Tammy Gilley (7 nights) from $3995
• April 22 - May 4: Watercolor workshop with Angela Fehr in Greece (12 nights) from $4745
• May 5-11: Watercolor workshop in Italy with Angela Fehr (6 nights) from $3445
• May 11-18: Mixed media art workshop in Italy with Tiffany Goff-Smith (7 nights) from $3795
• May 20 - June 1: Collage Travel Journal Workshop in Greece with Karen Stamper (12 nights) from $4745
• June 9 - 15: S ketchbook Workshop in Portugal with Anne Leuck (6 nights) from $3495
• June 30 - July 6: Watercolor journal workshop in Spain with Ohn Mar Win (6 nights) from $3595
• September 8-14: Travel Journal Art Workshop in Spain with Julie Snidle (6 nights) from $3445 
• September 14-20: sketchbook workshop in Spain with Koosje Koene (6 nights) from $3445
• Oct 21 - Nov 1: Mixed Media Art Workshop in Sicily, Italy with Mary Beth Shaw (11 nights) Details coming soon. Join interest list.

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Artsy Traveler

For Independent Travelers Who Love the Arts

Last updated on March 31st, 2023 at 10:40 pm

Welcome to Artsy Traveler !

Do you enjoy independent travel and seeking out museums, art galleries, concerts, and artsy travel experiences? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Like you, I love the arts, and so I created Artsy Traveler to share with independent travelers my passion for interesting museums, quirky galleries, compelling performances, thought-provoking historical sites and more.

Artsy Traveler is for you if you love the arts, prefer independent and comfortable travel, and want to get the most value out of your travel dollar.

You’ll find tips about recommended places to go and what to see along with interesting, artsy activities (and occasionally just cool activities!) to seek out. I focus a lot on art because I love art and I also include recommendations for arts-inspired novels to read while you’re on your travels because I love books and reading.

On Artsy Traveler, you’ll also find plenty of posts related to the ins and outs of traveling comfortably and safely, particularly in Europe. Get driving tips, find great places to eat and check out some of my favorite accommodations .

Recent Posts on Artsy Traveler

The world is awash with artistic and cultural sights! Check out these posts to get your imagination fired up for trip planning.

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Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: Guaranteed Thrills for the Artsy Traveler

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Spending an Amazing Day at Proyecto Asis Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica

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Experience Western Canada in Style on the Rocky Mountaineer

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Birmingham: A Pleasant Surprise for the Artsy Traveler

A Tuscan Dream Come True: Sant’Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano

My name is Carol Cram and I live on Bowen Island in British Columbia when I’m not traveling. I’d love to be your guide to artsy traveling, particularly in Europe, but sometimes in other places, depending on where the wind takes me. I’m also an historical novelist with four novels published , all of which are inspired by my love of the arts.

What’s on Artsy Traveler?

Ever since my first trip to Europe with my mom when I was fourteen (see My Story ), I’ve loved planning trips, going on trips, and especially sharing travel tips to help other independent travelers enjoy awesome travel experiences. I guess it’s because for many years I was a teacher, but I really enjoy helping people figure out where to travel, what to see, where to stay, and a lot more.

My usual travel companion is my husband Gregg Simpson. Often, we’re attending his exhibitions while we travell, particularly in Europe. Have a look at Gregg’s fabulous artwork .

In the Fall of 2022, Gregg and I spent over eight weeks together in Europe, and I spent another two weeks on my own in England. And then in February 2023, I spent two glorious weeks in Costa Rica. Keep checking back; I’m adding new posts every week about my travels, that is, when I’m not busy planning our next trip to Europe in Fall, 2023!

I’m overflowing with gratitude that I’m able to travel and hoping I can share some tips and inspiration with you!

My Trip to Kauai

In April 2022, I took my first international trip since 2019 and wow, it was awesome! I jetted off to Kauai, Hawaii, for a solo writer’s retreat. It felt so good to be traveling again and to be writing about traveling. I created these three posts about my Kauai trip to help you plan your own Kauai adventure.

What to See and Do on Kauai

Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation

Ten Tips for Traveling Solo on Kauai

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I first realized my passion for teaching while guiding visitors through the Vatican in 2009. Since then I have led over a thousand tours. As a lecturer, scholar, and licensed French national guide, my goal is to make art history come to life and to create lasting memories. I do this by turning history into a compelling story, paying attention to your specific interests, encouraging questions, and sparking discussion.

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Embark on an unforgettable art journey with Art with Friends, a community of passionate art enthusiasts exploring the world's artistic and cultural wonders. Discover breathtaking destinations in France, Italy, Spain and beyond, while connecting with fellow travelers through unique and personalized private museum tours, exquisite meals, wine tastings, and artisanal experiences. Join us to enrich your life and let your love for art, culture, and friendship flourish.

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With some liquid courage (hello wine!) in one hand and a paintbrush in the other you’ll whip your own Prague masterpiece on canvas. Never painted canvas before? No stress. This class will teach you how.

798 ART ZONE IN BEIJING

This art tour will throw you into the lesser-known art world of Beijing. Wander through this gallery space set in a decommissioned military factory where you’ll meet artists in their studios and explore changing exhibitions.

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Where are the best museums in the world?

Creativity feeds on inspiration and what’s more inspiring than experiencing somewhere new? Soak in different styles of architecture, try new local dishes, and see famous artworks up close...After all that there’s no doubt you’ll return home feeling inspired.

Art is everywhere – from the streets to gallery walls. Keep it traditional and gallery hop through NYC or London, or take to the streets where Gaudi has left a mark on Barcelona, Lima is full of street art and Lisbon’s tiles reflect the morning light.

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Art workshops & retreats curated art & small cultural group tours, upcoming 2024 tours.

Painting & Sailing in Croatia with Robert Masla

June 16 - June 23, 2024 - From Dubrovnik to Split. Experience the beauty of Croatia and plein air painting with Robert Masla on a small group sailing tour through the breathtaking islands of Croatia with artist Robert Masla. In addition to the islands, we’ll tour ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites with captivating coastlines for inspiration - all from the comfort of our private, luxury 41 Meter yacht. This tour has one place left!

Painting & Sailing in Croatia  with   David Dunlop

June 23 – 30, 2024 – Travel and paint with landscape artist David Dunlop, the engaging host and writer of two seasons of the Emmy Award winning national PBS television series, Landscapes Through Time with David Dunlop.

Join David Dunlop, modern day, old master whose luminous landscapes draw from both renaissance techniques and contemporary science on an exciting small group plein air painting and sailing tour through the breathtaking islands of Croatia. From the comfort of our 41 meter (134.5’) yacht MS Barbara.  David Dunlop will lead plein air painting sessions capturing the unique landscapes and seascapes of these Adriatic islands.

Paradores & Pousadas

March 18-April 1, 2024 - Discover the best of the Iberian Peninsula while traveling overland from Lisbon to Madrid. Enjoy captivating sites, excellent cuisine and the magic of Iberia's rich Roman and Moorish past. Along the way, we'll stay in historic paradores and pousadas lodgings - historic fortresses, stately palaces and medieval monasteries in Portugal & Spain.

Exploring Iceland

September 19-29, 2024

Experience the natural beauty and diverse landscapes on an 11-day, small group journey through Iceland. 

The journey is everything.

Explore the world while traveling in the comfort of a well appointed barge or motor sail yacht.  Stay in historical architectural treasures. 

Artful Travels works with dedicated artists and experienced travel partners.

Jeanne Fontaine

Founder/Travel Director

A passion for travel, love of the arts and a deep appreciation for the teaching artist is the inspiration for Artful Travels. Jeanne has led small group cultural tours nationally and internationally since 2003.  For nearly 30 years, Jeanne was the Courses Curator for the Museum School at the Springfield Museums overseeing the scheduling and implementation of studio art, art history and science classes for adults and children. In 2003, Jeanne took on the responsibility of coordinating the travel as well as the museum school classes. In this capacity, Jeanne had the privilege of working with amazing artists and teachers while coordinating and escorting international and local trips.  

Artist & Teacher Robert Masla

Robert is an award winning, internationally exhibited artist whose canvases, murals and portraits can be found in galleries, private residencies, corporations and film. With extensive teaching experience in all media, Robert conducts workshops from his home/studio in rural Ashfield, Massachusetts, where he lives with his family, and from their home/studio South – Casa de los Artistas, in Boca de Tomatlan, Mexico. 

In April 2022, Robert led a painting and barging tour in Holland. 

http://www.maslafineart.com

Artist & Teacher David Dunlop

David Dunlop is a modern day, old master whose luminous landscapes draw from both renaissance techniques and contemporary science.  A popular teaching artist with decades of experience, David teaches from his private studio, various museums, and art institutions with followers from around the globe. 

His paintings have been shown internationally and are held in the collections of major corporations. 

In addition to his success as a landscape artist and teacher, David is well known as the host and writer of the popular national PBS television series, “Landscapes Through Time with David Dunlop,” for which he won an Emmy and a CINE Golden Eagle Award.

In September 2015, David led a Painting & Barging in France

In September 2016, David led a  week of Painting in Toledo Spain 

http://www.daviddunlop.com

Where we're going in 2025

Distributed for Paul Holberton Publishing

Connecting Worlds

Artists and travel.

Edited by Anita Viola Sganzerla and Stephanie Buck

274 pages | 200 color plates | 9 x 11 3/4 | © 2023

Art: European Art

View all books from Paul Holberton Publishing

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How Our Tours Work

All of our tours are private, not public. So the tour is arranged just for you and yours.

• We recommend using our online booking tool for up-to-date availability.
• Select your tour experience and set your preferred date and time.
• Our booking system will help you select the right guide from our team of art historians based on the guides' availability.
• Tell us a bit about your interests and private group. We'll customize your tour from there.
• Your confirmation will show where the guide will meet you at the museum.
• Private tours for 1 - 4 people in your group booked online* are $225 per hour (a $5 discount over tours booked via email or phone).
• All tours have a two-hour minimum.
• Additional people and/or additional time have an additional fee.
• Museum admission needs to be added for each person. This will be added during your booking.
• We'll get your tickets ahead of time for you. So you can skip the lines!

Prefer a personalized booking experience?

* For those who need a bit more service via email and phone, our pricing is $225 per hour for 1 – 4 people. Larger groups are $50 per adult, $25 per child.

Real Art Historians, not scripted actors

ART SMART's art guides are primarily graduate-level professional art historians from top universities who have their fingers on the pulse of the art world.

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Personal Art Travel Itineraries Crafted for You and Yours

Art Smart Travels plans and leads private art tours through a broad range of locations in the United States and Europe. Our elite, personalized travel programs cater to your specific interests and needs so that you spend your time with personally satisfying treasures that will mean the most to you. Our travel advisory services include:

• Itinerary planning for self-guided tours An Art Smart consultant will work with you to develop a detailed itinerary featuring the perfect mix of experiences for your destination. We’ll assemble a portfolio of cultural resources, design a workable schedule, and arrange luxury travel programs that will make your experience insightful, delightful, and stress-free. Thanks to our extensive network of contacts, we can assist you in the selection of a local art expert to guide you in most locales.
• Escorted travel For a luxury experience, an Art Smart art historian can travel with you to provide the personalized guidance through art museums and cultural monuments. Along the way, you will receive expedited and VIP-level access to art venues.

Are You Traveling as a Family with Kids in Tow?

Art Smart knows how to make the most of your family’s travels around the world. We’ll start by building a custom list of recommended books and resources that are great for introducing your family to the area that you’ll be visiting. Then we’ll send you on your way with a custom guide to the can’t-miss masterpieces at your destination.

From the New York City Tri-State Area

We can use local art collections to familiarize your family with what you should look for while you are traveling. For a truly unforgettable experience, an Art Smart expert can travel with your family to provide the highest possible level of on-site expertise and guidance.

Let Art Smart Travels Assist with Your Next Cultural Trip

Give us a call at (212) 595-4444 or email . Tell us when and where you will be traveling, what you hope to see, and a little bit about your interests. With that, we’ll create the perfect experience for you.

11 Best Travel Destinations in the U.S. for Art & Design

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s a natural time to start planning a winter escape. For art and design enthusiasts who are fatigued by virtual art museum tours and overwhelmed by wanderlust, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the best travel destinations in the U.S. for art lovers eager to explore, complete with both indoor and outdoor (read: COVID-friendly) highlights, from galleries and museums to architectural walking tours .

From well-known metropolitan hubs to the country’s hidden gems, these eleven travel destinations are worth the flight.

1. Atlanta, Georgia

The city of Atlanta is, unsurprisingly, filled with history, culture, and art, translating to seemingly countless activities for art and design lovers to keep busy with, which is why Atlanta is our first choice for best travel destinations. For one, Atlanta is home to the Southeast’s only design museum, the MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta), which is certainly worth a trip among many other art museums and architectural wonders across the city.

Indoor Highlights

MODA, the High Museum of Art , the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center , and the Museum of Contemporary Art Georgia (MOCA GA).

Outdoor Highlights

The ArtAround Roswell Sculpture Tour (see: Ice Pops , a giant popsicle sculpture); the ever-changing murals and sculptures along the Atlanta BeltLine ; and for families, the Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park , where children can climb, swing, and jump from public artworks.

2. Chicago, Illinois

Art and design is everywhere in Chicago. The city itself could, perhaps, be considered a “ living art exhibit waiting to be explored.” One of the most famous art museums in the nation, the Art Institute of Chicago , has one of the biggest collections of impressionist works. Worth a stop for an epic selfie is Millennium Park , which boasts an inspiring collection of outdoor sculptures including the iconic Chicago bean, Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor.

The Art Institute of Chicago; Evanston Art Center (get hands-on with arts & crafts workshops); Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago ; National Museum of Mexican Art ; Museum of Contemporary Photography ; the Design Museum of Chicago ; the Hyde Park Art Center and Logan Center , both featuring contemporary works by Chicagoans.

Millennium Park (see also: Jaume Plensa’s video towers fountain, Frank Gehry’s performance stage, and rotating exhibitions at Boeing Galleries ); Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio (1889) and birthplace of the architect’s Prairie style, as well as FLW’s Frederick C. Robie House (1906), The Rookery (1905), and Emil Bach House (1915); The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park , featuring 30 master works of public art; the Chicago Arts District , where gallery walks happen on the second Friday of every month; and Dali Plaza, featuring the famous Picasso statue .

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is perhaps one of the lesser-known art and travel destinations in the U.S., but it has a buzzing art district filled with must-see artisan shops and galleries. Known especially for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate , the city is surrounded the Blue Ridge Mountains , which offer endless outdoor adventures in all seasons — and gorgeous views.  

The Folk Art Center , featuring displays of Appalachian crafts including wood carvings and pottery; the Asheville Art Museum featuring a collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art.

The River Arts District , which includes 165 artist studios for prime window shopping, located in turn-of-the-century industrial buildings. The Downtown Art District is also a must-see in Asheville, filled with glass, photography, and metalwork galleries. From 5-8 PM on the first Friday of the month from April through December, the District holds First Friday Art Walks , perhaps the perfect pre-dinner evening stroll for art lovers.

4. Cincinnati, Ohio

See out-of-the ordinary artworks and up-and-coming art neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Ohio, next on our list of the best travel destinations in the US. One of the biggest attractions worth seeing is the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), which as of 2003 sits in a fascinating building designed by the visionary, world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid . 

The CAC; the Cincinnati Art Museum , with 67,000 objects of art history; the Taft Museum of Art , featuring European and American fine and decorative arts; the 21c Museum Hotel , an unusual gallery space featuring rotating exhibits by nationally known living artists; and the American Sign Museum , “the country’s premiere institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of American signage.”

The CAC (admire Hadid’s work from outside); Final Friday in Pendleton and Second Sunday on Main , neighborhood art walks featuring works by local artists and craftspeople; Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park (featuring Art Climb open air sculpture); and Cincinnati’s vibrant outdoor murals , including The Hands that Built Our City . 

5. Lansing, Michigan

We’re calling out Lansing, Michigan as an art and travel destination thanks largely to its impressive Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum , also designed by Zaha Hadid. Located at Michigan State University in East Lansing, the contemporary art museum draws in crowds from across the nation. Lansing also has an up-and-coming art scene, with many events and exhibitions being held in its Old Town.

The Broad Art Museum; the Broad Art Lab , the satellite to the Broad Art Museum that brings together the community for art events and often showcases works by Michigan State students; the Michigan State University Museum , exploring art through the lens of science, sociology, history, and culture; the Lansing Art Gallery ; and the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art .

Art Path, a “ public art installation that transforms Lansing River Trail into a walkable art gallery”; Arts Night Out , a bimonthly recurring event that usually happens in the Old Town, featuring local arts, crafts, and live performances; the Downtown Sculpture Walk , a tour of public art installations across Lansing, including Ivan Iler’s Portrait of a Dreamer ; and the Old Town mural , created by five artists, two coordinators, eight volunteers, and 25 teens.

6. Houston, Texas

A short flight from Boston and a great excuse to get some sun this season, Houston, Texas has a booming art scene awaiting exploration, landing it number six on our list of best travel destinations. The city is home to the Houston Art and Museum District , which consists of 20 museums and cultural organizations. Houston is also filled with hundreds of must-see outdoor sculptures and murals, so our list of outdoor highlights was a challenge to narrow down.

The Houston Center for Photography; the Houston Contemporary Arts Museum; the Menil Collection (featuring impressive Surrealist pieces, it’s one of the largest private collections of the 20th century); and the Rothko Chapel , housing 14 Rothko paintings. 

The Broken Obelisk sculpture outside the Rothko Chapel, commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr.; Second Saturday at Sawyer Yards, a working train yard and campus featuring 400 artist studios; the “Twilight Epiphany” sequence at Skyspace , an interactive outdoor installation by James Turrell; the Public Art of the University of Houston System , containing more than 600 works; the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern ; street art at the Harrisburg Art Museum ; the Trail of Art in Houston Heights ; and the Houston Presidential Heads and giant Beatles sculptures .

7. Marfa, Texas

Marfa, Texas is a tiny desert town and may not be the travel destination you had in mind, but don’t let its size and remote location fool you. Marfa is increasingly listed in US design guides , and was called an “unlikely art oasis ” by NPR. Back in the ‘70s, artist Donald Judd drove a truckload of his art to Marfa, and today, it’s practically become a destination dedicated to his work . 

Donald Judd’s home and studio , featuring 100 of his iconic milled aluminum boxes; The Chinati Foundation , featuring large-scale exhibitions by Judd’s artists friends; Ballroom Marfa , a dancehall-turned-non-profit-art-space that’s home to the permanent exhibition, Prada Marfa , a model Prada store sitting in the middle of the desert, complete with real Prada shoes and bags. 

Marfa Invitational , an international art fair, and outdoor artworks at The Chinati Foundation.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

Get a rich history of Southern culture across the city of New Orleans, another travel destination for art and design lovers across the nation. Mardi Gras World , where you can learn how the floats in the Mardi Gras parade are built, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art are just a few art spots worth calling out. New Orleans is also a great place to hunt for public murals, as the city boasts some impressive and vibrantly colored works that keep graffiti art enthusiasts flocking.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art; Mardi Gras World; New Orleans Museum of Art ; Kako Gallery ; Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans ; Newcomb Art Museum ; New Orleans African American Museum ; The McKenna Museum of African American Art ; and Rodrigue Studio .

Colonial architecture across New Orleans, such as the Gallier House (take an architecture tour!); Street art, including Light Mural by Brandan Odums , Allen Toussaint by Brendon Art , the Ashé Cultural Arts Center mural , Dr. John by MTO Graff , Unframed collection of murals, I’m Here for You by Craig Cundiff , Banksy’s street art portraying life during and after Hurricane Katrina, the Gasa Gasa mural , Jazz Legends by BMike ; Louis Armstrong Park ; Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden ; New Orleans Botanical Garden ; New Orleans City Park ; The Art Garden & Floating Gallery ; Frenchmen Art Market ; and the Funnel Tunnel sculpture .

9. New York, New York

Of course, our list of art and design travel destinations wouldn’t be complete without New York City. An global hub for visual and performing arts and the city to make it in for any rising artist, this concrete jungle is oh-so-obviously teeming with museums, outdoor spaces, street art, and beyond, making it worth not one but several trips. Here are just a few of our favorite highlights.

Endless museums and galleries are worth visiting, including (but not limited to) The Metropolitan Museum of Art ; the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA); the Whitney Museum of American Art ; the Guggenheim Museum , the Frick Collection ; New Museum ; Museum of Art and Design ; the Brooklyn Museum ; the American Museum of Folk Art ; David Zwirner Gallery ; The Drawing Center ; and Fotografiska New York .

The Storm King Art Center , located just an hour north of the city in lower Hudson Valley, consisting of 500 acres of outdoor space and 100 sculptures by artists like Roy Lichtenstein and David Smith; Frank Lloyd Wright’s The Crimson Beech (1959), a private home on Staten Island; 520 West 28th Street , or the Zaha Hadid Building, the only residential building designed by Hadid in New York; outdoor art installations on the High Line ; Claudia Weiser’s Rehearsal at Brooklyn Bridge Park; David Hammond’s Day’s End on the Hudson River; the Collective Vision mural in Union Square; The Vessel in Hudson Yards; and Yayoi Kusama’s exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden. 

10. Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs has been a Hollywood getaway spot since the 1920s, best-known for being a mid-century modern style architectural hub. Mid-century millionaire homes dotting this desert town have long proved works of art in themselves. Unfortunately, many of these homes are hidden behind security gates, but architecture enthusiasts can see them via the Palm Springs Mod Squad van tour, or wait until February for Modernism Week , a art and design fair that opens up a selection of these private homes to visitors. Other great spots for art & design include a number of desert sculpture gardens.

The Palm Springs Art Museum ; The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center ; and Cabot’s Pueblo Museum . 

Mid-century homes to see include the Frey House II by Albert Frey, Elrod House by John Lautner, and the House of Tomorrow , the former Elvis Presley Honeymoon Hideaway, by Dan Palmer and William Krisel; Noah Purifoy Joshua Tree Outdoor Museum ; Desert Christ Park ; Salvation Mountain ; Desert Art Collection Sculpture Garden ; The Ace Hotel Mural , Desert Void ; Elrod Sculpture Garden at the Palm Springs Art Museum; Sky Art Sculpture Garden ; the Melissa Morgan Sculpture Garden ; and Sunnylands Center & Gardens .

11. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Last but not least on our list of best travel destinations in the U.S. is Santa Fe, New Mexico. This city has long been attracting artists from all across the nation, most notably Georgia O’Keeffe, who made the trek from New York City. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is a must-see here, featuring the largest collection of the artist’s work. Among a plethora of other art attractions, make sure to also stop by the Palace of the Governors to purchase handcrafted turquoise jewelry from Native American artists.

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum; the Palace of the Governors; the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture ; the Wheelwright Museum ; The House of Eternal Return by Meow Wolf ; The Center for Contemporary Arts ; Form & Concept gallery; New Mexico Museum of Art ; Museum of International Folk Art ; the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art ; Institute of American Indian Arts ; SITE Santa Fe .

Canyon Road and the Railyard District for gallery window shopping; Shidoni Sculpture Garden; SITE Santa Fe (from the outside); Santa Fe Botanical Garden ; Allan Houser Sculpture Gardens ; and the Prescott Gallery & Sculpture Garden . 

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A guide to São Paulo, the Brazilian city defined by its creative subcultures

In Brazil’s largest city — an ever-evolving metropolis of intertwined cultures — diasporas from across the globe use music, art and dance to make their mark.

I’m still two blocks away when I hear the samba beat, subverted by a deep, assertive bass. At the far end of a pedestrian lane paved in white tiles, a Beaux Arts villa called Casa de Francisca glows red and purple from within. Its tall second-storey windows are flung open to reveal hundreds of party-goers. Behind the villa, there’s São Paulo’s historic centre, the silhouetted at night.

Once home to a musical instrument shop, then a radio broadcaster, before becoming an empty shell, the building now has more people inside than it’s ever hosted before. When I enter, it feels as though they’re testing the structural integrity of its Corinthian pillars. A fusion of black, white, mixed, Indigenous, macho and gender-fluid people, the crowd bounce and shout out lyrics, white shirts billowing, trilbies toppling. Their eyes are on the DJ booth where Angola-born writer-musician Kalaf Epalanga is spinning kizomba — a sweeping genre embracing Afrobeats, Portuguese pop, fervent hip-hop and plaintive soul. When Kalaf eases into a slower tempo, couples pair off in sweaty synchronicity, or make out under the tiered chandelier. Two tall mirrors on the stage reflect the scene back to me.

Emerging from Angolan clubs in southwestern Africa during the war-torn 1980s, kizomba culture has rippled through the Afro-Portuguese diaspora like waves across the Atlantic. It’s difficult to define because it’s considered an attitude — a matrix of Latin rhythms, new wave synthesisers and early techno, but also fashion bravado and survival spirit that’s found a footing in São Paulo. The Afro-pop Cape Verdean crooner Djodje is kizomba; so, too, is the Rio-based Afrobeats DJ Joss Dee. The literal meaning of kizomba in the Kimbundu language, one of several spoken in Angola, is ‘party’.

In this city of around 12 million — the world’s largest Portuguese-speaking centre and Brazil’s most populated city by a country mile — Kalaf has a huge fanbase. And this celebration of kizomba, held in partnership with Kalaf’s fellow artist, friend and countryman Nástio Mosquito, is their way of testing the waters for a permanent Kizomba Design Museum in the city, with Casa de Francisca one possible home for it. The pair are clearly on to something.

After his set, we sit down together and Kalaf puts it to me like this: “The African diaspora in the Western world take whatever jobs are available from the bottom of the pyramid,” he drawls. “They’re immigrants, invisible all week long. No one knows their story. But come Friday they’ll get their best outfits from the dry cleaner, call the barber, take pride in their presentation. That’s why we call it kizomba design.” Nástio, his afro wilder than Kalaf’s and prematurely grey, says it’s quite the opposite to fado, a Portuguese music genre of melancholic songs and rhythms that originated in the 19th century. “Fado was all longing and pain. Kizomba celebrates. It shows there’s a different way to live under stress. It says: ‘We have today, so let’s dance, let’s drink, let’s f**k.’”

The following morning I see them both about 20 minutes away at Megafauna, a sunlit bookshop where they’re hosting a standing-room-only kizomba symposium. The books stacked to the ceiling represent a diverse range of authors that reflect São Paulo’s true mosaic. From the 16th century until 1888 — horrifyingly late for abolition — Brazil took in more enslaved people from Africa than any New World country. And, since the postwar industrial boom, many of their descendants have ended up in São Paulo. More than half of all Brazilians are Black or mixed race. Yet, they still largely live on the margins. “A lot of Brazilians are disconnected to their roots,” Nástio tells me, “but they’re gaining agency.”  

Megafauna sits on the ground floor of the rambling Edificio Copan, a 38-storey S-shaped tower built in striking ribbed concrete by the late, great Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the 1960s. There’s an art gallery upstairs, a cafe next door chiselled out of a raw concrete shell, a vintage boutique and 1,160 apartments in the floors above. The artists have chosen this landmark to lure their audience from the four corners of town. “It’s important that our culture can access places like this,” says Nástio.  

This quarter of the historic centre has suffered its share of neglect. Though São Paulo’s crime rate is lower than that of more touristy Rio de Janeiro, Kalaf admits “this is not a city to play with”. He tells me to be vigilant, and to hide my phone in the streets from thieves on bikes. Still, he loves the kizomba vibe around Edificio Copan. “São Paulo doesn’t have the beautiful nature of Rio. It’s rough around the edges, so people only have each other and the culture to embrace.” Kalaf isn’t just referring to Africans like himself but the whole spectrum of people taking over the pavement outside Edificio Copan. “The immigrant influence defines the fabric of the city. It quickly gives you a glimpse of what Brazil represents,” he says. “I have the same feeling in New York — this big Babylon with people from all over the world.”

Topical & tropical

I see what he means over lunch at Z Deli, a leather-booth diner in a mid-century building near Edificio Copan. Z is run by one of the 20,000 Jewish families who sought asylum in São Paulo over the 20th century. A 10-minute walk away is the Jewish Museum, a former Byzantine-style synagogue opened in 2021 to exhibit Brazilian-Jewish artefacts. Similiarly, Z’s menu showcases a distinct hybrid flavour that straddles continents. I order what I think is a pastrami sandwich. What I get is shredded meat and spring onions on a bed of fries with a dollop of mayo, a jar of hot sauce and a local Guaraná-brand ginger soda. Brazilian and Jewish cultures would seem to have little in common besides fate.

And yet, simmering in São Paulo, they come together with fascinating synergy. Just east of downtown, past an awkwardly placed motorway, is Liberdade, spiritual home to hundreds of thousands of Japanese Paulistanos — the largest community off Japanese soil. I head there with Fernando Filet, a tall, tanned tour guide who leads me beneath red lampposts shaped like paper lanterns. Liberdade’s tight knot of streets can’t contain the crush of pedestrians buying Hello Kitty-themed pasteles (dumplings) and Amazonian-fish yakitori, so vendors spill out onto a viaduct.  

Looking down at the traffic below, Fernando shares a description from the late Anthony Bourdain, who visited while filming his shows No Reservations and The Layover. “He said, ‘São Paulo feels like LA threw up on New York’.” Fernando quotes this to all his clients because Bourdain — who loved the city — had a point. You don’t tend to hear bossa nova paeans about the criss-crossing highways and graffiti-scrawled streets sprawling out from Liberdade. They’re functional but fun, smelling of Italian trattorias and Lebanese falafel huts. Then, as we approach broad, busy Avenida Paulista, they smarten up. Flanked by audaciously designed brutalist towers, Avenida Paulista has a retro character and unconventional beauty that appeals to me. Fernando points out a cool 1970s building by starchitect Paulo Mendes de la Rocha, which flares out over the pavement like a bellbottom.  

But I prefer the street’s São Paulo Museum of Art, or MASP, a giant glass box hoisted in the air by stout concrete legs painted a shouty shade of red. When its architect Lina Bo Bardi immigrated to Brazil from Italy in the late 1940s, she imported Italian modernism and the notion of public gathering spaces. “She was a woman of the people,” says Fernando. On the piazza, framed by MASP’s red legs, the community spirit is palpable, filled with skateboarders toting boom boxes and families on promenade. Fernando urges me up to the vast glass gallery overhead, where paintings by globally renowned artists such as Modigliani and Picasso sit alongside emerging Brazilian ones, their works encased in glass and planted in concrete foundations. From here we can peer out of the glass walls and watch the late-afternoon sun meet the skyline.  

I could spend a week basking in grand-gesture museums like MASP, but I’ve promised my new kizomba mates I’d check out the scene in Barra Funda, north of downtown. On a sunny morning I meander among its charming painted stucco terraces. There’s an antique shop under a deep awning and a bakery festooned with azulejo tiles selling Portuguese custard tarts. An electric-green maritaca parrot wolf-whistles from the shoulder of an old man as I duck into HOA Galeria.  

Brazil’s first Black-owned art gallery, HOA is hell-bent on shifting the narrative of Latin American art from the colonial to the personal, experiential and revolutionary. Inside, it’s somehow brighter than outside, all blazing brushstrokes and thrumming video. The same goes for Mendes Wood around the corner — a gallery where endless vaulted rooms grab you and keep you rapt with installations exploring Blackness and otherness, by brilliant artists finally getting a platform. In fact, there’s a gallery every 500 metres — and judging by the cocktail of languages I overhear, visitors have come from everywhere to appreciate them.  

Covid had an unexpected positive impact on this neighbourhood, once known for Korean immigrants and industry. Home life pivoted to the pavements and when the city opened up again, restaurants, bars and galleries moved into the area’s once-empty warehouses. People took notice. Just off Rua Barra Funda, I watch the young, beautiful and tattooed file into Mescla, a cafe with communal tables and a Bolivian chef experimenting with Cuban, Andean and Mediterranean cooking. In an area spoiled for wine bars, everyone lines their stomachs here.  

That evening it’s back to Casa de Francisca to watch rapper Dino D’Santiago, a Portuguese artist of Cape Verdean descent, fire up the crowd into absolute, arm-swinging rapture. I can’t help but get up out of my vintage cinema seat. “We’re rocking the place,” Nástio says, when I can hear again. The crowd snaps into perfect sync for the Electric Slide line dance. They know every move, every word. Kalaf says that’s not surprising. “All these people have the same cultural touchstones, and they don’t experience their stars playing in town.”

I ask him about those two big mirrors flanking the stage. He tells me that self reflection is part of the design emblematic of kizomba. “This culture is fragile,” he says. “Our traditions are ephemeral, oral. Our story is nowhere, but when we look at ourselves and we look at each other, we can see it.”  

Related Topics

• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
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• CULTURAL TOURISM
• CITY GUIDES
• ARCHITECTURE

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Featured artist interview: milton kam.

Cinematographer Milton Kam shares his thoughts on life as a traveling artist and the process for his latest visual poem shot in Venice, Italy.

Featured Artist Interview: Dail Chambers

Talented artist and community organizer Dail Chambers shares her personal story, artwork + creative process, and future projects.

Featured Artist Interview: Poet Philip Gounis – Part 1

Interview with poet Phillip Gounis where he discusses writing, poetry, and his past interviews with famous folks.

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Secrets in a Limb – Justin Ra

Song of a shadow – porto – milton kam, featured artist interview: poet kallie falandays.

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Wandering for good coffee – sheree k. nielsen, best mexican food – bangkok, modern toilet restaurant – taipei, on the juice – bali, indonesia.

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Ways of a Nomadic Travel Couple – Part 3

Travel stories and thoughts on relationship communication and dealing with issues as a digital nomad couple.

Digital​ Nomads Documentary – Germany

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Lost street art – merida, mexico.

Take a peek at the lost street art of Merida, Mexico

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Travel: Prehistoric drawings can be seen in Ohio at Leo Petroglyphs

Humans have always been eager to leave a creative mark on the world, tangible evidence of an artist’s thoughts or actions that might educate, entertain – or perhaps bewilder – current and future generations.

Humans hadn’t even made it to the Americas when the earliest-known cave paintings were created more than 40,000 years ago in what is now Indonesia.

But, millennia later, prehistoric Americans did make their mark. Ohio has several sites where early artists or scribes left enduring evidence of their creativity.

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The state’s most well-known group of petroglyphs – prehistoric stone carvings – is probably Leo Petroglyphs and Nature Preserve in Jackson County, about 75 miles southeast of Columbus. (The site gets its name from the nearby village of Leo, not from one of the prehistoric artists.)

A large slab of relatively soft sandstone served as a canvas for the artists, who probably belonged to the Fort Ancient culture, a people who also may have created Ohio’s Serpent Mound (not to mention the earthworks for whom the culture is named).

Among the carvings are figures that seem to represent people, human footprints, birds and other animals, and a few enigmatic symbols.

Whether or not the carvings were meant to represent specific ideas, instructions or just the creative musings of the carvers is still a matter of speculation.

Erosion of the carvings dates their creation to around 1,000 years ago. Today, the carvings are protected by a modern shelter house that also provides a roof for visiting picnickers.

The nature preserve at Leo Petroglyphs protects about 20 acres, including a gorge where stone outcroppings contain other stone carvings.

A ½-mile trail makes a loop around the gorge, beginning and ending at the shelter house.

The wooded hike takes about 30 minutes and provides a glimpse of the kind of landscape that might have inspired those early artists along their way to and from the petroglyph stone.

Another well-known and easily visited example of early Ohio petroglyphs is at Inscription Rock on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie.

The rock, on the south shore of the island near the Kelleys Island Ferry landing, was partially buried when discovered by early settlers in 1833.

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The site is probably not as old as the Leo Petroglyphs, dating from perhaps 800 years ago.

Although Inscription Rock is also protected by a modern shelter, the rock has been so eroded that it’s hard to clearly see the carvings today. But an informational display at the site includes a depiction of the stone from a drawing made in 1850, showing more strange and enigmatic figures, animals and symbols that should provide a satisfying puzzle for any aspiring amateur archeological cryptographers.

Visitors to Kelleys Island should also be sure to visit Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve , an example of Mother Nature’s own artistry, carved by massive boulders dragged by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

Travelers who find themselves fascinated by ancient rock carvings should consider a trip to the American West, where several large sites display a vast array of petroglyphs covering a vast span of history.

One of the most popular and accessible destinations is Petroglyphs National Monument , just a few miles outside downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, where visitors can see one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America.

Short trails lead visitors past designs, both strange and familiar, carved into volcanic rocks strewn about like cyclopian Legos.

The carvings at the national monument are probably a bit younger than the Ohio sites and are credited to both Native Americans and early Spanish settlers from between 400 to 700 years ago.

Steve Stephens is a freelance travel writer and photographer. Email him at  [email protected] .

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