Can you imagine touring the Louvre, hiking through Machu Picchu, or exploring the Pyramids of Egypt without leaving home? Today, it's possible thanks to virtual tours, which allow you to discover the history and art of the world's most iconic sites with just an internet connection.
But technology isn't just transforming the way we explore these sites from home; it's also improving the experience for those who visit them in person. With artificial intelligence tools, it's now possible to conduct personalized guided tours without relying on timetables or tour groups.
How Artificial Intelligence Enhances the Cultural Experience
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we interact with art and history. Instead of relying on tour guides or limiting ourselves to informational signs, we can instantly access detailed explanations. Some of the most innovative applications include:
- Point your phone at a painting or sculpture and get detailed information with just a photo.
- Ask an AI about a historic site and receive interactive explanations in real time.
- Hear descriptions in different languages and adapt the tour to your own pace.
- Receive recommendations based on personal interests, uncovering details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
These tools allow each visitor to explore in their own way, without rushing and with access to a wealth of information that was previously only possible with a specialized guide.
Museums and historic sites to explore virtually (or with in-person AI)
Below is a selection of museums and iconic sites that offer virtual tours. They are an excellent way to explore them before a trip and, in many cases, also allow you to leverage artificial intelligence to enrich the in-person experience. Museums of Art and Culture
- Louvre (Francia) The Mona Lisa and the Gallery of Egyptian Antiquities. https://www.louvre.fr/en/online-tours
- Prado Museum (Spain) – Interactive tours of masterpieces such as Velázquez's Las Meninas and Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights. https://www.museodelprado.es/en/visita-virtual
- British Museum (UK) – Explore more than 60 galleries with high-resolution images and an interactive 3D tour. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (USA) – Digital tours of the MET galleries and access to its archive of more than 400,000 images. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/met-360-project
- Vatican Museums (Vatican City) – 360° tour of the Sistine Chapel and other iconic galleries. https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/es/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html
- National Museum of Anthropology (Mexico) – Virtual tour of the history and culture of pre-Hispanic civilizations. https://www.inah.gob.mx
- Uffizi Gallery (Italy) – Digital tour of its Renaissance collections, including works by Botticelli and Michelangelo. https://www.uffizi.it
- Hermitage Museum (Russia) – Virtual tour of its luxurious halls and vast collections of European art. https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/explore/virtual-tours?lng=en
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (USA) – Explore exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, and ecosystems. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
Historic and Archaeological Sites
- Machu Picchu (Peru) – Virtual tour of the Inca citadel with 360° views. https://www.youvisit.com/tour/machupicchu
- Egyptian Pyramids – Digital tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx with 3D reconstructions. https://www.egypttoursportal.com
- Taj Mahal (India) – Virtual tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with high-definition architectural details. https://www.airpano.com/360photo/Taj-Mahal-India/
- Great Wall of China – Panoramic tour of one of the most impressive structures in history. https://www.thechinaguide.com
- Stonehenge (United Kingdom) – Interactive tour with historical information about this enigmatic monument. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history-and-stories/stonehenge360/
- Palace of Versailles (France) – Virtual tour of the opulent halls and gardens of the palace. https://artsandculture.google.com
- Sydney Opera House (Australia) – Digital experience that allows you to explore its iconic architecture and scenery. https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Explore without limits
Thanks to technology, art and history are within everyone's reach, whether from home or with innovative tools at each destination. Artificial intelligence is changing the way we discover the world, allowing everyone to design their own cultural experience.
Today, travel is no longer just a matter of distance, but of access to information. And with the right tools, exploring the world is easier than ever.
