U
.K.
London is a hub for art lovers, rich in history, heritage and culture, yet boasting one of the world’s finest modern art galleries, there really is something here for pupils of all key stages. Visit the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, or even arrange for a guided tour, looking at the changing structures in Architecture throughout the city, a Thames River Cruise is a superb tour to illustrate this, it’s all there waiting for you to enjoy!
Southern Ireland
Rich in culture and boasting a collection of fine private galleries, the range of art and artefacts on offer in Ireland is Enormous. Visit the famous Waterford Crystal Factory where pupils can experience a real working environment, where generations of design expertise is put into creating individual glass creations. The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin houses the national collection of Irish Art together with the famous European Masters. Stay in the capital and enjoy the ‘Craic’ of the Irish!
France
France has an abundance of artistic and architectural treasures, from 16th century lace making in Calais, to the home of Christian Dior in Granville. In the cosmopolitan capital of Paris you can see the works of Monet, Renoir, Cezanne and visit the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musee Picasso. Combine a historical tour with a visit to the famous Bayeux Tapestry or discover new techniques watching modern artists at work on the quayside in Honfleur. Disneyland Resort Paris is an ideal location to discover animation. Pupils and teachers alike can enjoy this magical place whilst learning with the aid of educational packs which can be provided upon request.
Belgium
You will find superb examples of art and architecture in Belgium,
ranging from Romanesque to Art Nouveau. Visit the beautiful city of
Bruges, famous for its Flemish painters which you can observe at
the Groeninge Museum and for its lace making which is exported
at the Kantcentrum lace centre. Discover the eclectic collection of
design products at the Design Museum in Ghent, where even the
rest rooms are unforgettable! You can even combine a trip with a
visit to one of the many beautiful Christmas Markets during the
months of November and December.
Holland
For many centuries, Holland has produced great art, from old masters, modern classics, to contemporary artists. The area of Delft is famous for its world renowned blue and white delftware pottery, and home to famous painter Johannes Vermeer.
Amsterdam has over 40 museums featuring everything from the finest Dutch Masters paintings to contemporary design, including the Rembrandt and Van Gough Museums and the Diamond Factory.
Germany
All the great names in the fine arts have their place in Germany. Ranging from the Old Masters to icons of modern and post-modern art, Germany plays a key role in the international art world. Stay in Berlin and visit the National Gallery, Pergamon Museum and Bode Museum. Explore the collection of arts and crafts in the Black Forest Museum in Trieburg, or visit the Museum of Modern Art in Freiburg.
Czech Republic and Poland
Once called the ‘city of a hundred spires’ the wealth of art, design and architecture in Prague is staggering. Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, art nouveau and cubist styles sit side by side. See the Astronomical Clock, National Gallery, Bohemian Crystal and the Jewish Museum, and simply revel in the beauty of the city. Krakow in Poland is home to the Gallery of Polish Paintings and the Museum of Jan Matejko’s paintings.
Italy
Italy is full of ancient monuments and archaeological sites which are perfectly preserved and the museums are bursting with the genius of Italy’s finest sons; Raffaello, Michelangelo, Tiziano, Canova and contemporary architects today are still inspired by ancient buildings and squares.
Stay in Venice and visit the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Gallerie Dell Accademia. The beautiful city of Florence is an activecentre of Art and Culture, featuring the Uffizi Museum, Galleria dell Academia,or visit the capital Rome, rich in Roman History andarchitecture. The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel are definitely not tobe missed.
Spain
You can find some of the world’s best collections of art in Spain, not to mention some of the most fascinating architecture. Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city with some of the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th century Avant Garde Art, see Gaudis magnificent Parc Guell, and visit the impressive Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Explore the home of Salvador Dali in Figueras, which features a theatre-museum dedicated to the genius surrealist painter, or be amazed by the great Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the building itself is a work of art!
