Time was once a fleeting concept. As we took on more responsibilities and more social activities, even the power of technology could not keep up with our demand for convenience. Perhaps that is why in 2020, our perception has suddenly become skewed as many people are put into self-isolation. From a matter of days to weeks, the idea of working from home and finding free time has arrived in abundance and it seems no one knows what to do with it.

Netflix, social media and the home library is great in theory, that is until cabin fever sets in. For a much needed escape, Google is allowing you to travel the world with the only way past border protections and the closure of tourist locations – virtual tours are offering a culture fix. From Sydney to Sâo Paulo, Google Arts & Culture have teamed up with over 500 museums and galleries to bring the experience online.

Here are our favourite.

The Metropolitan Museum of art – New York

Or known as ‘The Met’, the New York-based museum is known for its lavish celebrity party as well as some of the most famed art and costume collections in the world.

Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) in the world. The permanent collection includes over 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh, 500 drawings and more than 750 letters.

National Palace Museum of Korea – South Korea

For something a little different, the National Palace Museum of Korea is specialised for the Joseon royal and Korean imperial court artefacts where it promotes and preserves the culture of the Joseon Royal and Korean imperial court.

The Natural History Museum – London

If you ask a Londoner where to visit in the city, it is likely their list of recommendations will include The National History Museum. It is not only a tourist attraction, but a world-class research centre that boasts 80 million unique specimens.

pergamon – Berlin

From my own experience, the Pergamon on Berlin’s Museum Island is a spectacular display of artefacts and work from the Hellenistic period – I spent three hours exploring the space. While it is not possible to view the colossal rebuilds, preserved statues or the celebrated Pergamon altar in person, it is possible to see it through Google.

Art Gallery of NSW – Sydney

A little closer to home is the Art Gallery of NSW. As one of the country’s leading galleries, it holds significant collections of Australian, European and Asian art, and presents nearly 40 exhibitions annually.

Musée d’Orsay – Paris

The building itself is considered a work of art. In the centre of Paris on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée D’Orsay was installed in the former Orsay railway station, and shows art collections from 1848 to 1914.

tate britain – london

Forming part of the Tate network, Tate Britain is the oldest museum and boasts large holdings of works of J. M. W. Turner, who bequeathed all his own collection to the nation. It is one of the largest museums in the country.

Uffizi Gallery – florence

The Uffizi was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de’Medici to house the Granducal Magistratures of Tuscany. Over time, the top floor loggia became an exhibition of the dynastic collection of ancient sculpture, artwork and artefacts.

Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand – São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a private, nonprofit museum founded by Brazilian businessman Assis Chateaubriand, in 1947, as Brazil’s first modern museum.