5 Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Local Art Tour

There are a million reasons why we travel, and for many of us, the search for beauty is an important one. We know that there is so much beautiful art, breathtaking architecture, and natural wonder in every corner of the planet.

But there’s more to beauty than meets the eye. In fact, some of the most beautiful places are hiding in plain sight, even right in your backyard! Here are 5 sources of art and beauty that you can find in your own community that will bring your travel aesthetic up a notch.

1. Museums

If you are an art lover, you’ve likely dreamed about traveling to a foreign country and touring the museums. While it can be rewarding to see artwork where it originated, your local art museum is also a treasure trove of beauty, art, architecture, and more. Museums provide a valuable service to the community by preserving history and culture through their collections. By visiting one near you, you can admire the art while also saving money on travel expenses.

In addition to being educational and low-cost, museums are a great place to spend time with friends and family. Most museums provide plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions, so it’s an excellent place to spend a day with your children or grandchildren.

2. Street Art

Street art is often distinctly urban and influenced by the streets themselves. It's work that's less likely to survive long if it's not attached to a wall—the pieces are meant to be experienced while they're still fresh and up, much like how modern art was viewed during the early 20th century.

Some of these pieces are created by "taggers" who practice a form of graffiti writing known as "piece bombing" where they create large-scale works that are meant to be seen from far away. Others are created by artists who have been commissioned by local government agencies for specific projects or events.

In some cities, you can tour different areas and see public murals, graffiti, taggings, and other types of street art. If your city doesn't have any tours or walking routes specifically dedicated to street art, you can find out if there are any events coming up with artists who create these types of local art —and plan your trip around them!

3. Conservatories and Botanical Gardens

It’s a well-known fact that the best way to understand art is by immersing yourself in it. If you want to take your love for art outside of the two-dimensional world, a visit to a conservatory will do just that! Usually housed in botanical gardens, these indoor “rooms” are filled with plants, flowers and trees from around the world—all of which are artistically displayed.

In addition to the visual element, the sounds and scents of nature will also be an integral part of your experience: what better way to relax than listening to a fountain or smelling fresh cut grass?

Many places have special exhibits that change every so often, so even if you’ve been there before, it’s worth going again because you could see something new! One of the most famous conservatories in America is probably the one in Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory, which houses many tropical plants like orchids and bromeliads as well as cacti and succulents—some of them more than 100 years old!

4. Architecture

When you travel, you can see some of the most visually stunning architecture in the world—but what about when you're staying home? There are many incredible pieces of architecture everywhere, and visiting them can be just as fun as going on an expensive trip. It's a great way to bring the outside in, and makes for a great date or family activity for those who live in cities with famous buildings.

How do we decide what architecture is worth seeing? There are many websites that rank architecture and give reviews on it. You can read up on different pieces online and plan a trip around them (or at least know what to look for when you're out in your city!)

5. Murals

Visiting murals in your city is a great way to experience and enjoy local art! Murals can be found in many different places, from public parks to the sides of buildings.

This type of local art often reflects the city's history or community, and can be a beautiful and inspiring sight. Many cities also have mural tours that you can take to learn more about the artwork and the artists who created it.

Plus, they make for great photo opportunities! Capturing your family’s memories in front of a mural not only captures the art so you can appreciate it for a lifetime, but it shows the large scale of the piece and lets you revisit that trip for years to come!

With so much amazing art in nearly every city, you are sure to find a way to make your local adventures even more beautiful! What are you most excited to find in your own city?